Philosophiae Doctor - PhD (Education) / This study chronicles a teacher training education programme. The findings emerged from the observation of argumentation skills employed by students in a physical science education classroom for pre-service high school teachers. Their task was to use the nature of arguments to solve mathematical problems of mechanics in a physics classroom. Forty first-year students were examined on how they used a dialogical argumentation instructional model (DAIM) based on Toulmin's (1958/2003) Argument Pattern (TAP), Downing's (2007) Analytical Model (DAM) and Ogunniyi's (2007a & b) Contiguity Argumentation Theory (CAT) to solve mathematical problems in physics. Thus efforts to judge the pre-service teachers' capability to solve mathematical problems in physics with respect to mechanics were compounded by the demand for the inclusion of a self-efficacy framework. According to Bandura (2006) self-efficacy is the judgment of capability. Selfefficacy plays a key role in human functioning in that it affects not only people's behaviour but other issues such as goals and aspirations, outcome expectations, affective proclivities and perception of impediments and opportunities in the social environment (Bandura, 1995, 1997 & 2006).

Doctor of Philosophy / Curriculum and Instruction Programs / Lotta Larson / All human beings possess within them implicit and explicit theories which they use repeatedly throughout their lives to explain a wide array of experiences (Tracey & Morrow, 2017). In education, teachers use their theories about reading and learning to read to inform nearly every aspect of their instruction. These belief systems develop over a lifetime and are used as filters when making instructional decisions (Cunningham & Fitzgerald, 1996; Prawat, 1992; Richardson, Anders, Tidwell, & Lloyd, 1991; Smith, 2004). Understanding and identifying these theoretical perspectives empowers educators to make informed instructional decisions in the classroom while also clarifying and defining their roles as teachers. While numerous studies have documented the relationship between teachers’ beliefs and instructional practices, there appeared to be limited research that related preservice teachers’ beliefs and practices to their personally held theoretical perspectives. This study explored pre-service teachers’ beliefs and practices and how they related to their theoretical orientations to reading. The study specifically addressed the gap in the research focusing on pre-service teachers who were enrolled in a literacy methods course. Multiple data sources were gathered from interviews, observations, and artifacts and documents. These data were collected and analyzed throughout the duration of the study. The study’s findings established the relationship between pre-service teachers’ theoretical orientations to reading and their beliefs and instructional practices. The data analysis revealed that the pre-service teachers’ previous life experiences, and experiences in the literacy methods course and corresponding internship influenced their theoretical orientations to reading. Further data analysis also revealed inconsistencies related to the alignment of pre-service teachers’ beliefs and instructional practices and change of theoretical orientations.

Research has shown that the access to explicit criteria can promote student learning by making expectations explicit and by supporting students in identifying significant dimensions of quality in task performance. The aim of the study was to investigate how explicit criteria can support pre-service teachers' understanding of relational competence. The research design was an intervention study. Digital video was used as a tool for pre-service teachers to analyze interaction in simulated situations focusing on the relationship between teacher and students. Sources of data used were 1) pre-service teachers’ written analyzes before and after the access to explicit criteria, and 2) transcripts from focus-group interviews, concentrating on pre-service teachers’ perceptions of how the access to criteria affected their understanding of relational competence. The findings indicate that the access to explicit criteria positively affected pre-service teachers’ capacity to discern significant dimensions of relational competence, as well as their understanding of how trustful relationships between teachers and students can be created and maintained. All pre-service teachers perceived that the access to explicit criteria had helped them to gain a deeper understanding of relational competence and how relational competence can be observed and analyzed in interaction. A conclusion that can be drawn from the study is that the pre-service teachers, through access to criteria, developed new interpretative tools to communicate about relationships and teachers’ relational competence.

This study examined the effects of the (Singapore) Model Method on elementary pre-service teachers' understanding fractions and attitudes toward teaching and learning mathematics. In particular, this study focused on fraction operation concepts in solving word problems. The study involved thirty-four elementary pre-service teachers enrolled in two sections of mathematics content and methods courses in the Teacher Education Program in a Midwestern public university. This study used quantitative data from an experimental design using an instructional intervention (Model Method). The instruments for data collection included a demographic questionnaire, mathematics attitude survey, fraction computation test, and fraction word problem test. To attain additional information for the instructional intervention and to verify the findings of the quantitative data, open- ended interviews were conducted. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods, including MANOVA, ANCOVA and correlation analysis. The treatment group received six intensive lessons to learn fraction operation from word problems with a focus on the Model Method while the control group had traditional lessons with the same topics and materials. The findings show that using the Model Method in teaching fraction operation concepts helps the pre-service teachers to improve their conceptual understanding in solving word problems. After the Model Method instruction, an attitude survey and interviews were used and indicated that the experimental group had more positive attitudes and increased confidence and liking toward teaching and learning mathematics than the control group. Furthermore, the correlation analysis shows that the correlation between the pre-service teachers' fraction knowledge in solving word problems and computational problems was strong. This result indicates that higher conceptual knowledge can predict a higher level of procedural knowledge in fraction operations. The findings suggest that the Model Method is an effective teaching method to enhance students' fractional knowledge in learning problem-solving.

abstract: Since the field of Physical Education carries a broader role of physical activity promotion, it is important for Physical Educators to take leadership roles in Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs (CSPAP) in schools. Hence, it has been emphasized that Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) programs may need to prepare PETE majors adequately to promote physical activity beyond quality Physical Education programs in schools. The purpose of this study was to explore the current extent of CSPAP preparation in PETE programs (e.g., curricula and practices). The first phase of this study comprised a nationwide survey study on PETE programs’ curriculum and experiences for CSPAP implementation. A total of 144 programs completed the online survey about curriculum and learning experiences for the CSPAP components. Descriptive statistics, frequency analysis, chi-square statistics, and analysis of variance were used to analyze data. Findings indicated that 107 of 144 PETE programs (74.3%) had no learning experiences for CSPAP. The prevalent type of learning experiences was incorporating CSPAP components in the existing courses. Field experiences were not frequently used for CSPAP preparation. PETE personnel expressed the utility of field experiences as an ideal CSPAP learning experience. The second phase of this study addressed PETE majors’ perceptions and learning experiences related to CSPAP in PETE programs. Fourteen PETE students from six programs participated in this study and shared their experiences in PETE programs. Data were collected through a short survey, one formal interview, field images, document gathering, and a follow-up survey. Descriptive statistics, constant comparison, and analytic induction techniques were used to analyze the data. Evidence from interviews, photos, and documents revealed three common themes: a) introducing CSPAP through courses, (b) lacking programmatic experiences in CSPAP implementation (i.e., practice doing it), and (c) interpersonal skills (e.g., communication or cooperation) as a key for CSPAP but limited preparation. Participants’ perception of the role of Physical Educators as physical activity directors evolved during their training. Expanding existing courses for CSPAP preparation would be a feasible way to introduce CSPAP framework. Additional efforts to include hands-on learning experiences for all CSPAP components in PETE programs should be made. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Curriculum and Instruction 2016

abstract: The United States is facing an unprecedented teacher shortage. With many studies estimating that 17-33% of teachers leave the profession within their first five years of starting a career, something needs to change to keep new teachers in the classroom. This study evaluates the effectiveness of peer observation as a learning tool to supplement the training of preservice teachers on an elementary campus. Observational learning theory and adult learning theory created the lens through which peer observations were implemented and evaluated in this study. Specifically, this study aimed to answer the following research questions: (a) How do conversations about teaching practices evolve over time between the preservice teacher participant and the researcher within the context of discussions following peer observations? and (b) How do peer observations influence the teaching practices of preservice teachers? This study found that the preservice teachers who participated in the peer observation intervention improved in their teaching practices over the course of the semester, valued the experience of peer observation visits, and increased their ability to talk about teaching and learning in more sophisticated and complex terms. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Leadership and Innovation 2016

Submitted by Pedro Ryô de Landim y Goya null (p_goya@aluno.ibb.unesp.br) on 2016-08-08T21:10:24Z No. of bitstreams: 1 DISSERTAÇÃO - PEDRO RYÔ DE LANDIM Y GOYA.pdf: 1132426 bytes, checksum: 5c41146395c7a0faafdbd3dd243c0492 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Ana Paula Grisoto (grisotoana@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2016-08-11T13:46:45Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 landimygoya_pr_me_bauru.pdf: 1132426 bytes, checksum: 5c41146395c7a0faafdbd3dd243c0492 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-11T13:46:45Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 landimygoya_pr_me_bauru.pdf: 1132426 bytes, checksum: 5c41146395c7a0faafdbd3dd243c0492 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-02-29 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Neste trabalho, buscou-se identificar e analisar conhecimentos de alunos concluintes de cursos de graduação em Ciências Biológicas, modalidade Licenciatura, quanto a conteúdos fundamentais da temática Biotecnologia, tendo em vista a presença de tais conteúdos no currículo vigente na rede estadual do Estado de São Paulo e em outros documentos oficiais. Também, buscou-se identificar a relevância do tema para o Ensino de Biologia. Para atingir tal objetivo, um questionário foi aplicado em quatro turmas de dois campi de uma universidade pública do Estado de São Paulo. A partir das respostas dos entrevistados foram identificados os saberes docentes, nos quais os professores baseiam sua prática, sendo eles os disciplinares, curriculares, experienciais. Os dados revelam que há um reconhecimento por parte dos entrevistados da importância do Ensino de Biotecnologia e seus conteúdos, porém, estes indicam que há uma deficiência na formação inicial dos alunos entrevistados quanto ao tema Biotecnologia e seus conteúdos, o que reflete na falta de confiança para administrar esses conteúdos e tirar as dúvidas que possam surgir em sala de aula, quando estiverem atuando como professores. Outro ponto destacado neste trabalho é uma deficiência também na formação pedagógica dos entrevistados, evidenciada por limitações quanto à visão do papel do professor de Biologia, a aptidão com ressalvas para exercer a profissão e limitado conhecimento de modalidades didáticas. / This research focuses in identify and analyze the knowledge of graduating students of undergraduate courses in Biological Sciences, licentiate degree mode, as the fundamental contents of the subject Biotechnology, in view of the presence of such content in the existing curriculum in the State of São Paulo and other official documents. Also, were sought to identify the relevance of the theme for the Biology teaching. To achieve this goal, a questionnaire was administered to four groups of two campuses of a public university in the State of São Paulo. From the answers of the respondents teachers knowledge were identified, in which teachers base their practice, they are the disciplinary, curricular, experiential. The data shows that there is a recognition by the respondents of the importance of Biotechnology teaching and its contents, however, they indicate that there is a deficiency in the pre-service training of the students interviewed on the subject Biotechnology and its contents, which reflects the lack of confidence to manage such content and answer the questions that may arise in the classroom when they are acting as teachers. Another point highlighted in this work is also a deficiency in the pedagogical training of respondents, as evidenced by limitations on the Biology teacher's role vision, the ability with reservations to practice and limited knowledge of teaching methods.

Este estudo é uma pesquisa qualitativa, em que procuramos conhecer e analisar as concepções dos alunos de uma turma de licenciatura em Química da USP (Universidade de São Paulo), sobre o uso de visualizações no ensino de Química. O papel dos modelos e da visualização na Ciência e no ensino da Ciência, e em especial na Química, tem ganhado importância teórica e prática ao longo da última década. A Química envolve a interpretação das mudanças observáveis na matéria (ex.: mudanças de cor, libertação de gases) na dimensão macroscópica (concreto) em termos de mudanças imperceptíveis na dimensão submicroscópica (imaginária). Estas mudanças são representadas de forma simbólica e abstrata usando símbolos e fórmulas químicas, equações, gráficos, imagens etc. Com o objetivo de tornar acessíveis estas representações para os alunos, professores de vários graus de ensino recorrem com cada vez mais freqüência à visualização. Para alcançar os nossos objetivos foram acompanhadas pela pesquisadora, as aulas de Metodologia de Química II desta turma, durante um semestre. Foi aplicado, no início do semestre um questionário a toda a turma, cujo objetivo era registrar quais as concepções que estes possuíam acerca desta temática. No final do semestre, foram escolhidos dois grupos de sete alunos desta turma, aos quais foi feita uma entrevista semi-estruturada, cujo enfoque incidia sobre a escolha e uso de visualizações que estes alunos apresentaram durante um mini-curso de duas aulas que estes ofereceram a alunos do ensino médio, na Faculdade de Educação da USP. A análise destes discursos (questionário e entrevistas), assim como, do relatório do mini-curso dos dois grupos escolhidos foi efetuada com base nas contribuições de Michel Foucault para a análise do discurso. Como resultado deste estudo destacamos que as concepções teóricas destes futuros professores acerca deste tema são superficiais, pouco sólidas e por vezes até errôneas. De acordo com o referencial teórico escolhido, o discurso destes futuros professores, acerca do uso de visualizações apresenta como principais referentes a natureza abstrata dos conceitos químicos e a capacidade que as visualizações apresentam para tornarem as aulas de Química mais interessantes, para captar a atenção dos alunos e de tornarem os conceitos químicos mais próximos do cotidiano. Nos enunciados destes discursos aparecem associados enunciados de outros domínios discursivos (mídia, publicidade, da psicologia cognitiva, etc.). Verificamos igualmente nestes enunciados a presença da instituição que frequentam, das práticas dos seus professores da graduação, da indústria informática (domínios não discursivos). Também de acordo com Foucault, encontramos associado a este discurso um conjunto de práticas não discursivas relacionadas com o uso destas ferramentas visuais. A escolha das visualizações e as formas de uso observadas durante o mini-curso que apresentaram estão fortemente relacionadas com os referentes apresentados, nomeadamente, com a capacidade de estes recursos captarem a atenção dos alunos, fomentarem o interesse das aulas e ainda a capacidade de tornar os conteúdos químicos mais próximos da \"realidade\" e/ou do cotidiano. / This study is a qualitative research where we try to find out and analyze the conceptions of pre-service teachers of a Chemistry class from University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, about visualizations\' use in chemistry instruction. Models and visualization\'s role in science and science education, especially in chemistry, has grown up during the last decade. Chemistry involves the interpretation of matter observables\' changes (e. g. color changes or gas\' release) on the macroscopic level in terms of imperceptive changes on the submicroscopic level. These changes are represented in a symbolic and abstract way using symbols, equations, graphics, etc. With the purpose of making these representations accessible to the students, teachers are using visualizations more frequently. In order to reach our aims the researcher followed the Chemistry Teaching Methodology II classes, during a semester. In the beginning a questionnaire was applied to all the class with the purpose to register what conceptions they had on this issue. At the end of the semester two groups of seven pre-service teachers were chosen to apply a semi-structured interview that focused their own choices and visualizations\' use as teachers in a mini-course that they presented to middle school pupils at S. Paulo\'s University. The speech\'s analysis (questionnaire, interviews and mini-course reports) of the two chosen groups was done based on the Michel Foucault\'s contribution to speech analysis. As a result of this study we highlight that the theoretical conceptions of these pre-service teachers are superficial, not solid, and sometimes even become misconceptions. According to the chosen theoretical framing, the speech of these pre-service teachers on visualizations presents as main referent the abstract nature of chemical concepts and the capacity that this resource has to make chemistry classes more interesting, to keep students attention and to make chemistry concepts close to quotidian. We also found on these statements the presence of their college, the practices of their own teachers and the IT industries (none-speech domains). According with Foucault, we also found associated to this speech a set of none speech practices related to the use of these visual tools. The visualization\'s choices and the way that they used these tools were strongly related with the presented referents,specially with their capacity to keep attention, to increase the class interest, or the capacity to make chemical concepts more close to the reality and/or quotidian.

O Processo de Reflexão Orientada apresenta-se como uma nova proposta formativa, a qual pode contribuir para a formação inicial professores. Nesse processo, o futuro professor, mediado por um professor mais experiente, tem a oportunidade de elaborar e avaliar suas ideias sobre o ensino e a aprendizagem, suas metodologias e suas práticas de ensino, podendo clarificar e confrontar suas teorias pessoais. Neste sentido, este trabalho investigou as contribuições do PRO na atuação pedagógica de licenciandos em Química, visando um ensino por investigação e para a promoção da alfabetização científica no Ensino Médio. Para isso, mediados pela pesquisadora, os três licenciandos participantes da pesquisa elaboraram uma sequência de aulas e a desenvolveram em sala de aula, refletindo sobre suas concepções e práticas durante todo o processo envolvido. Diversas propostas de uma mesma sequência de aulas, sobre um mesmo conteúdo químico, foram elaborados pelos licenciandos, de forma a contemplar uma sequência investigativa e para promoção da AC. A última proposta foi aplicada em sala de aula. Os licenciandos avaliaram e refletiram sobre a sua prática em sala de aula e sobre os planos desenvolvidos, utilizando referenciais teóricos sobre ensino por investigação, AC e exigência cognitiva das questões. Para compreender a evolução dos licenciandos durante o PRO, a pesquisadora analisou os níveis investigativos dos elementos pedagógicos presentes nos planos elaborados e nas aulas ministradas por eles; o nível de AC dos planos e das aulas ministradas, bem como, o nível cognitivo das questões propostas nos planos e nas aulas. O processo reflexivo sobre a prática dos licenciandos é evidenciado por meio de categorias de análise e exemplificadas por trechos das transcrições dos encontros reflexivos realizados entre eles e a pesquisadora. As contribuições do grupo durante o processo também foram avaliadas. Os resultados mostram que os planos desenvolvidos pelos três licenciandos apresentaram evoluções na maioria dos tópicos avaliados, o que pode ser justificado pelas reflexões proporcionadas pelos encontros individuais e em grupo. No entanto, algumas dificuldades foram evidenciadas quanto a proposição da questão problema e de materiais para o levantamento das ideias prévias dos estudantes. A análise das aulas evidencia algumas dificuldades vivenciadas pelos licenciandos durante suas regências, como a sustentação da questão problema, bem como, das interações dialógicas. As reflexões realizadas entre a pesquisadora e os licenciandos, durante os encontros individuais, evidenciam momentos relevantes para a formação inicial, visto que os futuros professores expunham suas concepções, anseios e dilemas. Os encontros reflexivos em grupo também evidenciam contribuições, o que possibilitou ao grupo socializar, confrontar e compartilhar suas ideias e experiências. Esta pesquisa também mostra a importância do papel do mediador, já que a confiança dos licenciandos pela pesquisadora parece ter contribuído para o comprometimento deles durante o processo. Assim, o PRO vivenciado pelos licenciandos parece ter contribuído para eles desenvolverem uma postura crítica com relação à prática docente. Ao elaborar os planejamentos e avaliar suas ações, baseados em referenciais teóricos, puderam construir novas ideias sobre o processo de ensino e de aprendizagem em Química. / The Reflection-Oriented Process is a new educational trainning proposal that may contribute to pre-service teachers trainning. In the process, the future teacher, mediated by a more experienced teacher, has the opportunity to develop and evaluate their ideas about teaching and learning methodologies and their teaching practices, may clarify and confront their personal theories. Thus, this study investigated the contributions of PRO in pedagogical proceeding on pre-service teachers chemistry, aiming investigative approach and the promotion of scientific literacy (SL) in high school. For this, mediated by the researcher, the three pre-service teachers developed lessons\' sequence and teaching in class, reflecting on their conceptions and practices throughout the process involved. Several proposals of a same sequence, by the same chemical content, were developed by future teachers in order to contemplate a investigative approach and the promotion of SL sequence. The last proposal was developed in the classroom. The pre-service teachers evaluated and reflected on their practice in the classroom and on the plans developed by using theoretical frameworks for investigative teaching approach, SL and cognitive demand of the questions. To understand the pre-service teachers evolution in PRO, the researcher analyzed the investigative levels of pedagogial elements present in elaborate plans and classes taught by them; SC level presentes on plans and classes, as well as the cognitive level of the questions proposed in the plans and in class. The reflective process on the practice of pre-service teachers is evidenced by categories analysis and exemplified by excerpts from transcripts of reflective meetings held between them and the researcher. The group\'s contributions during the process were also investigated. The results show that the plans developed by the three future teachers showed gains in most analyzed topics, which can be justified by reflections provided by individual and group meetings. However, some difficulties were highlighted as the proposition of the question problem and materials to identify the previous ideas of students. Analysis of classes shows some difficulties experienced by future teachers during their regencies, such as support problem concerned and, of dialogic interaction. The discussions held between the researcher and the pre-service teachers during the individual meeting, evidence relevant times for pre-service training, as future teachers expounded their views, concerns and dilemmas. Reflective group meetings also show contributions, which enabled the group to socialize, compare and share their ideas and experiences. This research also shows the importance of the mediator\'s role, since the pre-service teachers reliability by the researcher seems to have contributed to their commitment throughout the process. Thus, the PRO experienced by pre-service teachers seems to have assisted them to develop a critical position relative to teaching practice. Propose plans and evaluate critically their actions based on theoretical frameworks, it seems to cotributed to build new ideas about teaching and learning in chemistry.

Human behaviour in educational contexts can be facilitated and supported by technology enhancements. This thesis considers a virtual 3D world as one such technological enhancement and explores its use in supporting technology acceptance in pre-service teacher education. The adaptation of different educational technology tools can often be challenging for teachers due to negative perceptions, lack of experience and a fear of technology. This thesis investigates the role that immersion within virtual environments can play to change perceptions, increase experience with and overcome fears associated to adopting technologies in the classroom. For this reason, this thesis asks the following questions: What factors and indicators show a positive influence on the participants’ perceptions of learning technologies? Do the virtual world (VW) activities encourage more VW connections and interactions inside the VW? What are the pre-service teachers’ reflections on learning in the VW setting? How is the learning experience in the VW applied to the real world classroom practice? This study focuses on the use of classroom technologies in a pre-service teaching program at the University of Malta. PreVieW (Pre-service teachers Virtual World experience) is evaluated using quantitative, qualitative and social network analysis (SNA). The combination of these three methods is used to measure the extent of the VW’s influence as a medium in affecting the participants’ perceptions about classroom technologies and their behavioural intentions to adopt technology during teaching. The results show that the VW experience has an overall significant positive effect on the self-reported perceptions of technology. Factors affecting this result are perceived ease of use, experience and attitude, whilst social network graphs show that VW activities are responsible for social group formations. Participants attribute the strengths of PreVieW to its flexibility and learner-centric activities whilst finding the technical setup as challenging. Participants reflect on the cultural differences in the understanding of teaching and learning in the VW as opposed to a traditional classroom. Findings lead to a deeper understanding of the human-computer interactions in a VW set in a formal learning experience. Following this a model is recommended proposing the integration of a VW experience in a teacher education program together with a number of propositions to enrich learning in a 3D VW.