This multiple case study examines organizational processes in two municipalities’ school improvement works with the aim of providing accessible learning environments for all students. Different levels of the Swedish education system share the responsibility for improving schools to provide high-quality education for all learners. Previous research shows that it is a complex task to carry that out in practice. The complexity comes from the fact that different levels and parts of the education system need to be coordinated in solving the assignment, and that it is possible to interpret how to carry out the assignment through performance in practice in a number of different ways. The aim of this study is to examine and create knowledge about organizational processes in school improvement for accessible learning environments that bring multiple schools together. The theoretical approach has been organization from a constructivist perspective where organization is seen as a constant doing. Theories about sensemaking, organizational learning as well as governance and management have provided a theoretical framework. Questions about what happens in organizational processes when coordinating the development work of several schools’ joint activities and what opportunities and challenges can be brought up in the organizing have been guiding. Documents from the two municipalities’ school improvement works have been analyzed and actors within the school systems have been interviewed on the basis of themes. The findings showed that school improvement for accessible learning environments is an ongoing dynamic activity that cannot be seen as a linear process with a beginning and an end. The findings also showed that sensemaking about what accessible learning environments can be and how it can be created is ongoing and based on each person´s previous experience but also generates in organizational learning. It was apparent that leaders cannot control and manage how the schools perceive or carry out the assignment in practice, but they can create a common framework. Leaders together with employees, students and others within and outside the school system could meet within that common framework, to collaborate and jointly explore and create future initiatives based on each other's experiences in the work of creating a school for all. These meetings could provide the conditions for responsive decision-making.

<p>Presently, it is possible to use virtual learning environments for simulating abstract and/or complex scientific concepts. Multimodal Virtual Learning Environments use multiple sensory stimuli, including haptic feedback, in the representation of concepts. Past research</p> <p>on the utilization of haptics for learning has shown inconsistent results when gains in conceptual knowledge had been assessed. This research focused on two abstract phenomena</p> <p>Electricity and Magnetism and Buoyancy. These abstract concepts were experienced by students using either visual, visuo-haptic, or hands-on learning activities. Embodied</p> <p>Cognition Theory was used as a for the implementation of the learning environments. Both phenomena were assessed using qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques.</p> <p>Results suggested that haptic, visual, and physical modalities affected positively the acquisition of conceptual knowledge of both concepts.</p>

<p> A student’s education should be reflective of the innovative and progressive nature of the professional world. While innovation was previously viewed as an economic driver or technological concept in the 20th century, modern times have innovation permeating into all branches of society, intending to seek and develop new knowledge and ideas across any academic and professional disciplines. With this inclusion of innovation in all aspects of society, students should be provided educational opportunities to develop innovation capabilities, skills, and mindsets that can better prepare them for the professional world as well as for making both societal and personal impact. Innovation-focused education has been positioned to aid in 1) developing social responsibility in students, 2) fostering innovative behaviors that can benefit the organizations in which students become part of in their future, 3) empowering students to pursue their own personal ventures, and 4) enhancing the economy of a nation. And, using a transdisciplinary approach to teaching innovation, can be one approach to bridge, or even break down, the silos that exist within modern higher education—creating a more authentic community of practice to nourish student learning and their innovative ideas. Researchers have found that innovation capabilities are not typically a by-product of traditional comprehensive education and without specific curriculum to cultivate innovation practices among students across majors, many may be missing out on valuable knowledge and skillsets. Addressing this concern, an undergraduate model at Purdue University has been developed to provide students with the time, resources, and opportunities to enhance their innovation capabilities through co-teaching and co-learning from faculty and students from differing academic units/colleges. This model brings together the disciplinary lenses from three different colleges, including engineering technology, business management, and liberal arts. Engaging students in a transdisciplinary, authentic learning experience across these academic units can allow them to form a community of practice by working on innovation projects over multiple semesters within an engaged network of faculty, peers, and mentors from a variety of disciplines. However, as this model is implemented there is a need to better understand how this collaborative approach to teaching innovation influences undergraduate learning. Therefore, this study 1) examined student perceptions of this innovation education model related to its co-teaching and co-learning pedagogical approach as well as 2) analyzed the influence of this model on student innovation skills (i.e., <em>integrative learning</em>, <em>teamwork</em>, and <em>problem solving</em>). To do so, data was collected from Likert-style prompts and open-ended survey responses and semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic coding and a non-parametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The results of this analysis revealed 1) working in teams is a necessary evil for many students, 2) cross-college collaboration enhances brainstorming and ideation in general, 3) a collaborative, transdisciplinary setting for learning allows for the application of prior knowledge, and 4) multiple instructors allowed for a greater range of feedback throughout the design process, among other findings in regard to student perceptions of the collaborative teaching and learning model. In addition, the results indicated that there was a statistically significant difference in the students’ perceptions of their innovation capabilities related to all sub-constructs of both <em>integrative learning</em> and <em>problem solving</em>, while students’ perceptions of their abilities relating to <em>teamwork</em> were less consistent. Leveraging these results, discussions around best ways to implement a similar model of teaching in other contexts, the benefits students identified from working collaboratively with individuals outside of their academic unit, and optimal strategies for developing this model have been brought to life. Also, aligning to the data collected in this study, recommendations for educational practice, such as consistency between instructors, alternative strategies for using a similar model in a different time-span, and students identified issues and potential solutions have been provided as well as continued needs for future research. All of this information is positioned to help inform future innovation education research, identifying benefits and drawbacks of the collaborative form of teaching and learning, and analyzing students’ self-perceptions of the skills they developed. Hopefully, this information will be valuable as more institutions look toward transforming teaching and learning practices to provide more engaging, cross-college models that enhance the value of the learning experiences they provide to students on their campuses.  </p>

Learning environments that intrigue the Generation Z learner while transferring communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking skills are what is needed to prepare this generation for the challenges that they are going to face in the 21st century. This research focuses on design principles that would help educators and students in designing (and co-designing) game-based learning environments conducive to not only transferring content knowledge, but also of the most applauded skills that new graduates are compelled to possess. Employers agree that the students do not have what it takes to be successful in the 21st century workplace. Especially in South African context, the focus of higher education institutions can therefore not only be on content delivery, but has to also be on the development of the 4Cs, communication, collaborations, creativity and critical thinking. The research was conducted at the University of Pretoria where an existing reality game, The Amazing Race, was adapted and re-conceptualised for educational purposes. The overarching search for design principles that could be beneficial in the implementation of a game-based learning environment was guided by an investigation of the elements of the game implemented, the characteristics of games and finally the opportunities afforded to develop the 4Cs. The freshman engineering students’ experiences are discussed using the students’ own voices, and the design principles that surfaced are discussed. It seems as if there are distinct principles that could ease the efforts of practitioners in the implementation of similar learning environments. Further research is needed to refine the principles to other learning environments. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2019. / Science, Mathematics and Technology Education / PhD / Unrestricted

This study aims to explore teachers’ experiences of an invitational learning environment in culturally diverse Foundation Phase classrooms. Foundation Phase teachers as well as members from the School Management Team were identified as participants to create in-depth information on the topic of research. An interpretivist research paradigm was used to portray the lived experiences and personal responses of the participants. A combined theoretical framework consisting of the Open Systems Theory and The Invitational Learning Theory guided this research. The literature in this study provides a detailed discussion of Invitation Education (IE) the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders in creating invitational learning environments, the relationship between culture and invitational educational, the effects of the environment on invitational teaching and learning. Semi-structured interviews, observation and visual data formed the data collection instruments in this study. Data were coded, examined and emerging themes were identified. The teachers and school management team members who participated in this study shared their insight in invitational learning environments, their methods for creation as well as the challenges that prevented their creation. This research summarised teachers experiences in creating an invitational learning environment and provided valuable techniques to create invitation and methods for overcoming challenges. / Dissertation (MEd)--University of Pretoria, 2019. / Early Childhood Education / MEd / Unrestricted

This study was an investigation of Kolb's experiential learning model and learning styles (LS) in adult students of different learning environments. Previous research utilizing Kolb's Learning Styles Inventory (LSI) produced results that were often contradictory to expectations based on Kolb's model. Many of these studies were limited in sample sizes or to particular participant education or career fields. The purpose of this study was to identify significant differences in LS of adult students of 3 different learning environments-online, classroom, and combination (blended). A convenience sample of adult learners (N = 180) from a social media site and an online university's participant pool were divided into the 3 learning groups and administered the LSI-3 online. The research questions explored the relationship between LS and demographics (age, sex, ethnicity, course level, and grade point average) and sought to identify differences in LS between learning environments. The results of Spearman's rho suggested that LS may be related to age in online learners and to grade level in classroom students, supporting earlier research suggesting that LS change as one progresses in his or her education program. No relationship between any demographic and LS was identified in the combination group. Results of Kruskal-Wallis analysis showed no significant difference in LS between learning groups, though the majority of the sample population were identified as divergent learners in all groups, also supporting results found in earlier research. This research is significant and may lead to positive social change by aiding in the development of more effective learning environments to provide for better learning experiences by students as well as identifying areas in need of future research.

Studiens syfte är att få djupare kunskap om förskollärares uppfattningar om hur de utformar inkluderande lärmiljöer i verksamhetens inomhusmiljö, där barnens intressen och behov blir tillgodosedda så det bidrar till fortsatt lärande. I studien har vi använt oss av en kvalitativ metod där vi har genomfört halvstrukturerade intervjuer med tio stycken verksamma förskollärare. För att kunna analysera våra resultat har vi använt oss av en fenomenografisk metodansats och analysmodell. Den teoretiska utgångspunkten är ett sociokulturellt perspektiv där vi använt oss av de teoretiska begreppen artefakter, mediering och närmaste utvecklingszonen. Med hjälp av den teoretiska utgångspunkten samt analysmodellen har vi kunnat genomfört två olika analyser av vårt resultat. Resultatet i studien visar variation på vad förskollärare ser för olika möjligheter och begräsningar i utformningen av inkluderande lärmiljöer samt hur lärmiljön bidrar till lärande och utveckling. Slutsatserna påvisar att förskollärares förhållningssätt är en viktig aspekt vid utformningen av inkluderande lärmiljöer och att det endast är förskollärares egen kreativitet som kan sätta stopp för utformningens arbete. / The aim of this study is to gain deeper knowledge about preschool teachers´ perceptions of how they design inclusive learning environments in the indoor environment, where the children´s interests and needs are confirmed so that it contributes to continued learning. In the study we used a qualitative method where we performed semi-structured interviews with ten active preschool teachers. In order to analyze our results, we used a phenomenographic method approach and analysis model. We used a theoretical perspective, and it was a sociocultural perspective where we have used the concept of artefacts, mediating and the zone of proximal development. With the help of the theoretical perspective and the phenomenographic analysis model, we have been able to make two different analyses of our results. The results of this study showed variation on what preschool teachers see for different opportunities and limitations in the design of inclusive learning environments and how it´s contributes to learning and development. The conclusions show that the approach of preschool teacher is an important aspect in the design of inclusive learning environments and that only preschool teachers ‘own creativity can be an obstacle.

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The purpose of our study is to increase knowledge about how preschool teachers support children's development and learning through the aesthetic forms of expression in preschool education. We chose to use a qualitative study with a phenomenographic methodological approach and this method is based on interviews in a semi-structured form. Through the choice of method, we wanted to capture the preschool teachers' different perceptions of aesthetic forms of expression. Our results show that there are different views on aesthetics and how it is experienced by children and educators. What emerges in our study is that preschool teachers describe that aesthetic forms of expression are about giving children opportunities for varied learning. The result also emphasizes that aesthetic forms of expression are integrated through projects in teaching, which the preschool teachers emphasize is important. They mention that children learn differently and have different conditions for absorbing knowledge and therefore it is good to vary the teaching with aesthetic expressions. Another result that has emerged from our interviews is that aesthetics support children's development and learning because children explore and learn through their senses and use the body in aesthetic forms of expression. / Syftet med vår studie är att öka kunskapen om hur förskollärare gynnar barns utveckling och lärande genom de estetiska uttrycksformerna i förskolans utbildning. Vi valde att använda oss av en kvalitativ studie med en fenomenografisk metodansats och denna metod bygger på intervjuer i en semistrukturerad form. Genom metodvalet ville vi fånga förskollärarnas olika uppfattningar kring estetiska uttrycksformer. Vårt resultat visar att det finns olika synsätt på estetik och hur det upplevs av barn och pedagoger. Det som framkommer i vår studie är att förskollärarna beskriver att estetiska uttrycksformer handlar om att ge barn möjligheter till ett varierat lärande. I resultatet lyfts även att estetiska uttrycksformer integreras genom projekt i undervisningen, vilket förskollärarna lyfter är viktigt. De nämner att barn lär olika och har olika förutsättningar för att ta till sig kunskap och därför är det bra att variera undervisningen med estetiska uttryckssätt. Ett annat resultat som har kommit fram utifrån våra intervjuer är att estetik gynnar barns utveckling och lärande för att barn utforskar och lär genom sina sinnen och använder kroppen i estetiska uttrycksformer.

This thesis is a part of Master Degree within the field of Special Education at Malmö University. The purpose of the research is to elucidate how the supportive material Assessment Tool for Accessible Education of the Swedish National Agency of Special Needs Educations and Schools is being used by educational institutions in Sweden and how it contributes to the change in the learning environment among preschools and schools. The reading provides valuable knowledge for how the agency can develop their support to educational institutions, as well as for the actors of the field to make the learning environment accessible to the students. The study looks at similarities and differences between the inclusive learning environments based on previous research, and the accessible learning environment based on Assessment Tool for Accessible Education. A lot of similarities can be found in the pedagogic and social aspects, while the differences become prominent in aspects of the physical environment which can only be found in accessible learning environments. Further, pros and cons of supporting individual needs in relation to the learning environment are discussed and what consequences it may give rise to for disabled students. Research questions are as follow; Does the Assessment Tool for Accessible Education contribute to a change in the learning environment? What developing processes contribute to the change? How should institutions be supported in order to develop the accessible learning environment?Mixed methods have been used for collection of data; a poll was answered by 425 people and interviews were held with nine focus groups from four different institutions, including one group of students. The theoretical frame of the analysis follows the organization theory; learning organization and rational-analytic, interactional, and political perspective. The empiric has been worked through thematically and is presented in a chronological order from when people first came in touch with Assessment Tool for Accessible Education, how the work has been implemented and processed at the institutions, and a description of what changes has been processed and its effects upon the learning environment. Obstacles and factors of success experienced by the respondents as well as the need of support for development are also presented. The results of the research show that the assessment tools contribute to a change in how the pedagogues approach the knowledge of how the learning and development of the students is affected by the learning environment when organizational development exists within the institution. Development launches when structural and cultural conditions exist and are processed which in turn leads to development of the learning organization. The research looks at the consequences when these conditions are lacking. Further, when good conditions exist the learning environments develop. The research shows changes that have been processed through the physical, pedagogic, and social environment. Also, all students receive a higher level of accessibility than disabled students. The conclusion is that the Assessment Tool for Accessible Education contributes to a higher level of knowledge regarding the significance of the learning environment which implies changes, provided that organizational development exists within the institution. Keywords: Accessible Learning Environment, Disabilities, Inclusive Learning Environments, Learning Organization, Organization theory, Process