This thesis aims to contribute to the improvement and advancement of university learning, teaching, and staff development; to integrate educational theory and the practice of university teaching; and to contribute to the establishment of a new, emerging paradigm in higher education. The strategy towards achieving these aims comprises (1) an alternative research methodology in the interpretive, non-positivist paradigm; (2) an integrated framework drawing on a variety of previously unrelated theories to form an alternative model of university education; and (3) reference to the dialectical relationship between educational theory and teaching practice and their integration through action research in higher education. The thesis is not so much a critique of the traditional paradigm and of existing functionalist-structuralist approaches to higher education, but more a development and clarification of an alternative, dialectical, human action approach to higher education. The original contribution of this thesis to the theory and practice of higher education lies in the development (1) of an alternative model of university education based on an integration of previously unrelated domains of theory; (2) of a theoretical model of professional development as action research (the CRASP Model: Critical attitude, Research into teaching, Accountability, Self-evaluation, Professionalism); and (3) of action research projects in higher education. Action research is research by the university teachers themselves into their teaching practice, i.e. into problems of the curriculum and student learning. The case studies included in and appended to this thesis show that in one educational setting at least it was possible to improve and advance university learning and teaching through action research. The evidence for this advancement is provided in a number of previously published case studies compiled in the Appendix.

<p>Comparative analysis of the CPD systems internationally and nationally revealed that CPD is mandatory for some whilst for other countries it is compulsory, but not mandatory for licensing purposes. Licensing occurs on a yearly basis, but CPD recognition is accredited over a time period with expiry deadlines and minimum requirements. A portfolio was a common method of recording and proof of evidence for CPD, and a continuous theme was that CPD is needed to ensure competency. The Nursing Act 33 of 2005 makes provision for CPD for nurses but to date the South African Nursing Council has not yet decided on a model of CPD for implementation for SA nurses.</p>

The aim of this thesis was to describe and analyse principals´ views of collaboration forms, staff development and leadership, as critical internal capacities for school improvement, in five more successful and four less successful Swedish secondary schools, and compare the qualitative similarities and/or differences in the principals´ views at the level of schools. A successful school is understood to be a school where pupils accomplish both the academic objectives and the social/civic objectives in the National Curriculum. The empirical materials used were collected through semi-structured interviews with the principals and deputy principals, and through general school observations in the nine schools. The perspective of principals´ views was used as the unit for analysis, in order to reflect the principals´ way of thinking about the internal capacities, as principals´ views were expected to be an important indication of how principals act and interact with teachers in their specific context. To create such a model for analysis meant creating views, generated from empirical text, that deepened the understanding of the meaning of collaboration forms, staff development, and leadership, as critical internal capacities for school improvement. These views were then interpreted with the help of two theoretical concepts; structure and culture. The creation of the model made it possible to analyse and describe the school observations and the principals´ views of the three critical internal capacities, in the same usage. The question of what is decided helped to describe and understand the structure in a school, which in educational sociology is understood as the division of labour. The question of how the decisions are realised helped to describe and understand the culture in a school, the distribution of work. By using the theoretical concepts of structure and culture it was possible to unfold the power relations and the modes of control in the schools, regarding the three internal capacities for school improvement. One part of the result was the constructed view types for collaboration forms, staff development and leadership. It was possible to construct three qualitatively different view types: A principal distributed and team-based/involving view type, a principal distributed and teacher-based/traditional view type, and a politically distributed and principal-based view type. The last view type only appears in relation to staff development. When connecting the principals´ views of the three internal capacities in the different schools to the different view types, the results show that the ´team-based` view type dominates in all of the more successful schools, as well as in one of the less successful schools. In two of the less successful schools the ´team-based´ view type has become a vision for the principals to strive for in relation to the experienced reality of the ´teacher-based´ view type. The remaining less successful school is dominated by the ´teacher-based´ view type. Principals´ views of external collaboration forms, the connections with the world outside the school-house, are interesting, as all schools no matter the level of success, are ´teacher-based´.

This thesis contributes to the quality of engineering education and the accessibility of education worldwide by promoting computer-enhanced teaching and learning. It uses the epistemology of John Dewey (1859-1952) and the action research methodology first advanced by Kurt Lewin (1890-1947). A mixed methods approach that combines qualitative case studies with quantitative research methods is used. In the first of three case studies engineering students working on their final degree projects participated. To elicit interaction, a learning management system (LMS) was used and the students were strongly encouraged to discuss various aspects of their work. The second case focused on the barriers to a wider utilization of educational software in engineering education. The case is delimited to lecturers at the School of Engineering at the University of Borås. The investigation focuses on the lecturers’ reluctance to use educational technology and the slow uptake of new pedagogical methods in engineering education. The third case study covers three subsets of participants. A course intended to improve lecturers handling skills and motivation to utilize educational software in a pedagogically sound manner was given in Cuba, Guatemala and Peru. The first case demonstrated that computer-enhanced collaborative learning can improve the learning experience and performance of engineering students. The second case showed that LMS tools that facilitate traditional methods are used routinely, whereas lecturers often refrain from using features intended to facilitate collaboration and the creation of communities of learners. The third case study investigated the use of a complete course package, with all course material and software contained on the same USB drive (LiveUSB Mediated Education, LUME). It is asserted that LUME can facilitate constructivist pedagogical methods and help overcome the reluctance of lecturers to utilize educational software in a pedagogical sound way.

<p>Comparative analysis of the CPD systems internationally and nationally revealed that CPD is mandatory for some whilst for other countries it is compulsory, but not mandatory for licensing purposes. Licensing occurs on a yearly basis, but CPD recognition is accredited over a time period with expiry deadlines and minimum requirements. A portfolio was a common method of recording and proof of evidence for CPD, and a continuous theme was that CPD is needed to ensure competency. The Nursing Act 33 of 2005 makes provision for CPD for nurses but to date the South African Nursing Council has not yet decided on a model of CPD for implementation for SA nurses.</p>

Made available in DSpace on 2018-06-18T13:12:04Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2015 / Este estudo pretendeu investigar como os alunos da graduação em Medicina da Unifesp perceberam o curso “Conhecendo Pessoas – uma ciência, uma arte”, dentro da disciplina de Psicologia Médica, bem como avaliar o seu interesse pelo desenvolvimento de habilidades psicoafetivas e a construção da intersubjetividade. Para tanto, optamos pela abordagem qualitativa, cujas estratégias metodológicas facilitam a compreensão dos fenômenos humanos, especialmente nos aspectos que não podem ser medidos nem quantificados. Os dados empíricos foram obtidos em entrevistas com alunos do 2º, 3º, 4º, 5º e 6º anos da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), usando a técnica de entrevista semidirigida, orientada segundo roteiro de perguntas-chave. As entrevistas foram gravadas e posteriormente transcritas e conferidas. Para a análise do material empírico obtido foi utilizado o método da análise de conteúdo de acordo com a metodologia categorial temática. A análise de conteúdo aconteceu em três etapas: pré-análise, descrição analítica e interpretação inferencial. As categorias temáticas relevantes para o estudo foram: o sentido de conhecer pessoas; intersubjetividade e avaliação do curso “conhecer pessoas”; nestas categorias foram destacadas subcategorias, quais sejam: aproximação do outro, empatia, o humano por trás da máscara, relação dialógica professor-aluno, relação aluno-paciente, a disciplina oferece oportunidade para autoconhecimento, a disciplina como espaço para reflexão e acolhimento, discussão da relação médico-paciente não é a própria relação médico- paciente, o aprender a ser “humano”. Este estudo propiciou o conhecimento sobre a visão predominante dos alunos em relação à experiência de conhecer pessoas, evidenciando que o curso foi um auxiliar na compreensão de si mesmo, do outro, na valorização do relacionamento interpessoal, quer no âmbito pessoal, quer profissional. / This study aimed to investigate how Medicine’students percive the course "Meeting People - a science, an art," within the Medical Psychology discipline and evaluate their interest in developing psychoaffective skills and the construction of intersubjectivity . To this end, we opted for a qualitative approach, whose methodological strategies facilitate the understanding of human phenomena, especially those aspects that can not be measured or quantified. Empirical data were obtained using semi-structured interviews with 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th year medical students of the Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), using a key questions script. The interviews were recorded and later transcribed and checked. For the analysis of empirical data obtained was used the method of content analysis according to thematic categorical methodology. Content analysis took place in three stages: pre-analysis, analytical description and inferential interpretation. Relevant themes for the study were: the meaning of meeting people; intersubjectivity and evaluation of the course "Meeting People"; in each of these categories were highlighted subcategories, namely: approaching the other; empathy; the human behind the mask; dialogic relation: teacher-student, student-patient; opportunity for self-knowledge; the discipline as a oportunity for reflection; discussion about the doctor-patient relationship; learning to be "human." This study provided knowledge about the prevailing view of the students in relation to the experience of meeting people, showing that the course was an aid to understand oneself when related to other people, the enhancement of interpersonal relationships whether on a personal or professional level.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-06-18T13:12:10Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2016 / Introdução: Nos últimos anos tem se reconhecido o papel e a importância do Profissional de Educação Física (PEF) no campo da saúde. Pode-se considerar como um dos principais motivos, a ênfase dada à atividade física nas políticas públicas de enfrentamento de Doenças Crônicas Não Transmissíveis (DCNT) e de promoção da saúde. Objetivos: Este estudo elencou os seguintes objetivos: Analisar a formação do PEF considerando as demandas para a para atuação na Saúde Pública do município de Maceió; analisar os currículos de formação profissional em EF de instituições de educação superior do município de Maceió; conhecer o perfil proposto para o egresso dos currículos de formação do PEF; conhecer as demandas para a atuação do PEF na Saúde Pública. Metodologia: Este é um estudo descritivo, de abordagem qualitativa. Os dados foram coletados por meio de pesquisa documental e de campo. A pesquisa documental analisou os Projetos Políticos-pedagógicos de Curso (PPC) e Matrizes Curriculares (MC) dos cursos de graduação em Educação Física do Estado de Alagoas. A pesquisa de campo foi realizada por meio de entrevista semiestruturada com PEF, aprovados em concurso público na área da Saúde Pública e atuantes a mais de dois anos. Os dados documentais e empíricos foram analisados por meio de análise de conteúdo. Resultados: A pesquisa documental permitiu conhecer os currículos de formação profissional em Educação Física (EF) do Estado de Alagoas e o perfil do egresso desses currículos de formação, revelou que a maior parte dos documentos está em consonância com as Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais (DCN) da graduação em EF e graduação em Saúde, no que se refere ao perfil do egresso, competências e habilidades, campo de atuação. Os dados da pesquisa de campo apontaram para um currículo de graduação em EF que não oferece ainda o suporte necessário para atuação do PEF na Saúde Pública, exigindo dos profissionais muitos desafios para a intervenção nesta área, como o trabalho multiprofissional, as ações intersetoriais, bem como conhecimentos sobre atividade física relacionada à Saúde Pública. Conclusão: Este estudo demonstrou pontos relevantes que remete a um movimento de mudança curricular, apontando aspectos que levam o PEF a uma reflexão sobre sua intervenção profissional na área da saúde. No entanto, este ainda é um campo de atuação merecedor de reflexões e formação continuada, a fim de se construir a competência necessária para atuação, frente as demandas da Saúde Pública. Neste contexto, a presente dissertação propõe como produto o planejamento e elaboração de dois livros na área da Educação Física com foco na Formação e Atuação na Saúde Pública, dada a escassez de literatura. Espera-se que estas produções possam colaborar com o debate sobre a temática e ampliar a reflexão sobre os desafios e demandas neste campo de atuação. / In recent years the role and importance of the Physical Education Professional (PEP) in health field has been recognized. The main reasons are the emphasis given to physical activity on prevention of the chronic non communicable diseases and the healthy promotion by public policy. The main objectives of this study are: to investigate the contribution of the PEP formation to its action on public health in Maceio; to analyze the Physical Education course curricula in Higher Education Institutions in Maceio; to investigate the PEP profile proposed by the different types of graduate curricula; analyze PEP intervention in public health, considering the discuss of these professionals. Methodology: This is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach. Data were collected through documentary and field research. The documented research analyzed the Pedagogical Political Project (PPP) and the curriculum matrices (CM) of undergraduate courses in Physical Education (PE) of Alagoas. The field research was carried out by semi-structured interviews with PEP. Subjects had to have been approved in the last open selection in public health area and must have worked in this area for a minimum of two years. The documented and empiric data were analyzed using content analysis. Results: The documented research allowed a better understanding of the graduate curriculum as well as the suggested profile for the PE graduated in Higher Education Institutions of Alagoas. It was observed that most documents are lined up with the National Curriculum Guidelines (NCG) for the PE and Health graduation. The profile of graduated PEP, the professional competences and abilities required to act in the health field were also in line with guidelines. However, the field research data showed that the graduation curriculum on PE did not offer the necessary support for the PEP act in public health. Many challenges for the intervention in this area were identified: professionals referred difficulties in multi-professional work. They also related barriers in intersectorial action and finally they perceived their knowledge as insufficient to prescribe physical activity in a public health context. Conclusion: This study showed that even in the case the PE graduation courses curricula and PPP being lined up with the National Curriculum Guidelines (NCG) for PE and Health graduation they are not preparing PEP to act in public health. Thus, there seems to be a need for discussions about changes in PE graduation courses CM to better prepare graduation PE students to act in public health. The continued education could be the first step for those who are already in health field.

abstract: The goal of higher education institutions is to provide access to quality education along with adequate support so students can achieve personal and academic success. At the same time, institutions are increasingly responsible for ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment. To support this, universities respond to allegations of violations of the student code of conduct through a variety of conduct models. The use of restorative practices, an approach of responding to criminal or judicial violations with an emphasis on repairing relationships and reintegration into the community, has been implemented into existing university student conduct models across the nation with success. Student Rights and Responsibilities (SRR) conduct administrators at Arizona State University expressed feeling unprepared to engage in restorative conversations with students during conduct meetings. As a response, training modules on restorative justice theory and practices were created as a staff development engagement opportunity for SRR conduct administrators. This mixed methods action research study was conducted to investigate the inclusion of restorative dialogue in conduct meetings, factors that influence the incorporation of restorative dialogue into professional practice, and conduct administrator satisfaction with staff development training modules. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected through pre-, post-, and follow-up training survey assessments, one-on-one interviews with conduct administrators, observation of student conduct meetings, and observation of staff development training sessions. Findings suggested that conduct administrators responded positively to staff development training on restorative justice practices. Analysis of quantitative data suggests that conduct administrators increased their self-reported knowledge of training topics, including restorative justice philosophy and practices. Further, conduct administrators, to an extent, incorporated restorative practices into conduct meetings. The most frequently observed practice was the use of restorative questions during conduct meetings. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Leadership and Innovation 2016

The aim of the thesis is to find ways of promoting common development of teachers in the context of criteria for evaluating school quality from the perspective of the Czech School Inspection. Finds ways to support the development of teaching staff from the school principal, and the subsequent confrontation with the newly formulated criteria and indicators issued by the Czech School Inspectorate, which should be defined so. Good school. The theoretical part defines basic terms: the headmaster and teachers, including their competencies and development of teachers. There are also discussed the criteria and indicators of school quality assessment from the perspective of the Czech School Inspection. In the research part of the master is using the survey to determine how the director of the kinder gardens promotes the development of teaching staff and if there is a system that corresponds with the criteria and indicators for assessing the quality of schools by the Czech School inspection focused on the development of teaching staff. Based on the findings of the research are presented results that can help directors of kinder gardens to improve the quality of work in the development of teaching staff, at the same time was fulfilled evaluation criteria and indicators for the Czech School Inspectorate so....

The aim of this research was to explore the principals’ perceptions of their instructional leadership role in the improvement of literacy and numeracy in the Foundation Phase. This study was guided by a desire to find out and understand what principals perceive as their instructional leadership role in the improvement of literacy and numeracy. Although instructional leadership has been studied intensively, these studies have not explicitly considered principals’ perceptions of this concept. Most of the research has tended to explain this phenomenon from other stakeholders’ point of view. There has been very little research that has sought to understand how and in what ways principals view their instructional leadership role. As a domain of school leadership, instructional leadership is viewed by many as the primary role of principals which is meant to ensure effective and efficient teaching and learning. The deteriorating level of learner performance in both national and international tests has prompted the South African ministry of education to redirect efforts and seriously consider the importance of basic numeracy and literacy skills. The Department of Basic Education introduced programmes, namely the Foundations For Learning Campaign, the Annual National Assessment and Action Plan to 2014 to address the problems of learners’ inability to read, make basic calculations and write. This study is, thus, premised on the assumption that literacy and numeracy are prerequisites for learners’ future learning. To best understand instructional leadership, six primary school principals were purposefully sampled according to their schools’ performance in the 2012 Annual National Assessment results. They were sampled as “good”, “average”, and “poor” performing schools. All these participants shared the same socio-economic background and were situated in the deep rural villages of Limpopo Province. Semi-structured interviews were used as a data collecting technique for the study. / Dissertation (MEd)--University of Pretoria, 2014. / gm2014 / Education Management and Policy Studies / unrestricted