In many jurisdictions, policies aimed at improving educational processes and outcomes have focused on teacher professional learning. Yet, there is a gap in research concerning teachers’ understandings of their own professional learning as it is influenced by school improvement policies. Using an interpretivist approach, this case study of two schools in Alberta and England explored teachers’ understandings of their professional learning and the ways in which policy context interacted with these understandings. The findings suggested there is significant variability in the ways that teachers construct: 1) the notion of collaboration in working with others; 2) conceptualizations of teacher knowledge; and 3) the relationship of student learning to teacher professional learning. Additionally, findings indicated that teachers actively meditated their understandings of policy in their teaching practice, suggesting that policy context is one factor needing consideration in teacher professional learning research and policy development. / Educational Administration and Leadership

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The researcher’s professional role as an Education Officer was the impetus for this study. Designing and implementing professional development activities is a significant component of the researcher’s position description and as a result of reflection and feedback from participants and colleagues, the creation of a more effective model of professional development became the focus for this study. Few studies have examined all three links between the purposes of professional development that is, increasing teacher knowledge, improving teacher practice, and improving student outcomes. This study is significant in that it investigates the nature of the growth of teachers who participated in a model of professional development which was based upon the principles of Lesson Study. The research provides qualitative and empirical data to establish some links between teacher knowledge, teacher practice, and student learning outcomes. Teacher knowledge in this study refers to mathematics content knowledge as well as pedagogical-content knowledge. The outcomes for students include achievement outcomes, attitudinal outcomes, and behavioural outcomes. As the study was conducted at one school-site, existence proof research was the focus of the methodology and data collection. Developing over the 2007 school year, with five teacher-participants and approximately 160 students from Year Levels 6 to 9, the Lesson Study-principled model of professional development provided the teacher-participants with on-site, on-going, and reflective learning based on their classroom environment. The focus area for the professional development was strategising the engagement with and solution of worded mathematics problems. A design experiment was used to develop the professional development as an intervention of prevailing teacher practice for which data were collected prior to and after the period of intervention. A model of teacher change was developed as an underpinning framework for the development of the study, and was useful in making decisions about data collection and analyses. Data sources consisted of questionnaires, pre-tests and post-tests, interviews, and researcher observations and field notes. The data clearly showed that: content knowledge and pedagogical-content knowledge were increased among the teacher-participants; teacher practice changed in a positive manner; and that a majority of students demonstrated improved learning outcomes. The positive changes to teacher practice are described in this study as the demonstrated use of mixed pedagogical practices rather than a polarisation to either traditional pedagogical practices or contemporary pedagogical practices. The improvement in student learning outcomes was most significant as improved achievement outcomes as indicated by the comparison of pre-test and post-test scores. The effectiveness of the Lesson Study-principled model of professional development used in this study was evaluated using Guskey’s (2005) Five Levels of Professional Development Evaluation.

For future generations to maximise their capability to operate within technologically driven economies, it is critical to foster computer abilities at every level of the schooling process. Teachers are central to this process. Yet, for many teachers, the need to integrate computer use in their teaching is threatening and overwhelming. This thesis argues that, given the rapid rate of technological change, skills-based approaches to computer education inadequately prepare teachers for a career of continued technological change. Effective computer education for teachers requires more than skills training. It involves changes in attitudes, values and beliefs that provide confidence for ongoing learning. Furthermore, it involves learning to adapt to change, to be flexible, intuitive and above all persistent. It requires the fostering of teachers who know how to be self-directed and independent in their computer learning, rather than those dependent on structured routines or guidelines. This thesis is the ‘story’ of an action research initiative underpinned by a belief in the importance of approaches to computer education which foster lifelong computer learning. It traces the journey of a reflexive process of change and iterative development in the teaching of an educational information technology (computer) unit to pre-service teacher education students. Over a period of three years (1999-2001) I pursued a central research question, namely: How can I develop my teaching practice to better facilitate the development of capable computer users? The research explores the distinction between a ‘competent’ and a ‘capable’ computer user and trials a range of teaching and learning approaches that aim to facilitate the development of capable computer users.From this constructivist research and teaching process a multidimensional approach to computer education emerged, founded on metacognition and reflection. This approach is demonstrated to offer many advantages over a skills-focused approach. This thesis maps the complexity of the computer learning and teaching context, arguing that simplistic approaches to teaching will produce narrow and limited learning outcomes. Rather, a holistic approach is proposed, one that moves beyond the development of computer competency toward a longer term vision of facilitating computer capability. It is argued that the role of the computer ‘teacher’ is to foster reflective awareness and develop a learning environment that can assist computer learners to become comfortable existing on the ‘edge of chaos’.This research supports previous studies which indicate the important role of computer self efficacy and the influence of factors such as perceived usefulness, anxiety, support and frequency and duration of use. However, the research also documents the unpredictable influence of these factors on individuals’ resultant approach to computers and challenges dichotomous interpretations of such factors. Appropriate attribution is also shown to be a major influence on computer capability, as are factors such as help-seeking, motivation and goal-setting, although again, these influences are non-linear. It is argued that computer capability cannot be ‘taught’ but, rather, computer educators should look to creating environments where its emergence can be facilitated. The metacognitive computer learning context developed and explored through this research is one such approach.

For future generations to maximise their capability to operate within technologically driven economies, it is critical to foster computer abilities at every level of the schooling process. Teachers are central to this process. Yet, for many teachers, the need to integrate computer use in their teaching is threatening and overwhelming. This thesis argues that, given the rapid rate of technological change, skills-based approaches to computer education inadequately prepare teachers for a career of continued technological change. Effective computer education for teachers requires more than skills training. It involves changes in attitudes, values and beliefs that provide confidence for ongoing learning. Furthermore, it involves learning to adapt to change, to be flexible, intuitive and above all persistent. It requires the fostering of teachers who know how to be self-directed and independent in their computer learning, rather than those dependent on structured routines or guidelines. This thesis is the ‘story’ of an action research initiative underpinned by a belief in the importance of approaches to computer education which foster lifelong computer learning. It traces the journey of a reflexive process of change and iterative development in the teaching of an educational information technology (computer) unit to pre-service teacher education students. Over a period of three years (1999-2001) I pursued a central research question, namely: How can I develop my teaching practice to better facilitate the development of capable computer users? The research explores the distinction between a ‘competent’ and a ‘capable’ computer user and trials a range of teaching and learning approaches that aim to facilitate the development of capable computer users.From this constructivist research and teaching process a multidimensional approach to computer education emerged, founded on metacognition and reflection. This approach is demonstrated to offer many advantages over a skills-focused approach. This thesis maps the complexity of the computer learning and teaching context, arguing that simplistic approaches to teaching will produce narrow and limited learning outcomes. Rather, a holistic approach is proposed, one that moves beyond the development of computer competency toward a longer term vision of facilitating computer capability. It is argued that the role of the computer ‘teacher’ is to foster reflective awareness and develop a learning environment that can assist computer learners to become comfortable existing on the ‘edge of chaos’.This research supports previous studies which indicate the important role of computer self efficacy and the influence of factors such as perceived usefulness, anxiety, support and frequency and duration of use. However, the research also documents the unpredictable influence of these factors on individuals’ resultant approach to computers and challenges dichotomous interpretations of such factors. Appropriate attribution is also shown to be a major influence on computer capability, as are factors such as help-seeking, motivation and goal-setting, although again, these influences are non-linear. It is argued that computer capability cannot be ‘taught’ but, rather, computer educators should look to creating environments where its emergence can be facilitated. The metacognitive computer learning context developed and explored through this research is one such approach.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a curriculum design-based (CDB) professional development model on K–12 teachers’ capacity to integrate engineering education in the classroom. This teacher professional development approach differs from other training programs where teachers learn how to use a standard curriculum and adopt it in their classrooms. In a CDB professional development model teachers actively design lessons, student resources, and assessments for their classroom instruction. In other science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, CDB professional development has been reported to (a) position teachers as architects of change, (b) provide a professional learning vehicle for educators to reflect on instructional practices and develop content knowledge, (c) inspire a sense of ownership in curriculum decision-making among teachers, and (d) use an instructional approach that is coherent with teachers’ interests and professional goals. The CDB professional development program in this study used the Explore-Create-Share (ECS) framework as an instructional model to support teacher-led curriculum design and implementation. To evaluate the impact of the CDB professional development and associated ECS instructional model, three research studies were conducted. In each study, the participants completed a six-month CDB professional development program, the PTC STEM Certificate Program, that included sixty-two instructional contact hours. Participants learned about industry and education engineering concepts, tested engineering curricula, collaborated with K–12 educators and industry professionals, and developed project-based engineering curricula using the ECS framework. The first study evaluated the impact of the CDB professional development program on teachers’ engineering knowledge, self-efficacy in designing engineering curriculum, and instructional practice in developing project-based engineering units. The study included twenty-six teachers and data was collected pre-, mid-, and post-program using teacher surveys and a curriculum analysis instrument. The second study evaluated teachers’ perceptions of the ECS model as a curriculum authoring tool and the quality of the curriculum units they developed. The study included sixty-two participants and data was collected post-program using teacher surveys and a curriculum analysis instrument. The third study evaluated teachers’ experiences implementing ECS units in the classroom with a focus on identifying the benefits, challenges and solutions associated with project-based engineering in the classroom. The study included thirty-one participants and data was collected using an open-ended survey instrument after teachers completed implementation of the ECS curriculum unit. Results of these three studies indicate that teachers can be prepared to integrate engineering in the classroom using a CDB professional development model. Teachers reported an increase in engineering content knowledge, improved their self-efficacy in curriculum planning, and developed high quality instructional units that were aligned to engineering design practices and STEM educational standards. The ECS instructional model was acknowledged as a valuable tool for developing and implementing engineering education in the classroom. Teachers reported that ECS curriculum design aligned with their teaching goals, provided a framework to integrate engineering with other subject-area concepts, and incorporated innovative teaching strategies. After implementing ECS units in the classroom, teachers reported that the ECS model engaged students in engineering design challenges that were situated in a real world context and required the application of interdisciplinary content knowledge and skills. Teachers also reported a number of challenges related to scheduling, content alignment, and access to resources. In the face of these obstacles, teachers presented a number of solutions that included optimization of one’s teaching practice, being resource savvy, and adopting a growth mindset.

Orientador: José Luis Vieira de Almeida / Banca: Luci Regina Muzzeti / Banca: Marcos Antonio Lorieri / Resumo: O nosso interesse por esse estudo originou-se de indagações acerca da prática docente, desde o inicio da carreira profissional como professora, ainda na condição de formanda. Essa vivência e possibilidade de atuação permitiram-nos compreender a importância da teoria na fundamentação da prática. Daí o nosso interesse pela relação entre a teoria e a prática, compreendidas como uma totalidade e, desta forma, não atribuindo primazia a nenhuma delas. A investigação desses temas faz com que eles predominem nos programas de formação de professores que, desta forma, estão voltados exatamente para a prática reflexiva, em nome da qual pretendemos a melhora da qualidade de ensino, buscando responder ao "eterno" dilema de como se ensinar, o que e para quem? Diante deste quadro, este estudo examina o pensamento de autores como Dewey (1959) Tardif (2002) e Schön (2000) que discutem a formação dos docentes e a sua prática contribuindo com a difusão de idéias que apresentam a teoria e o conhecimento como secundários em relação à prática na formação e na atuação do professor. Esperamos com esse trabalho contribuir para a discussão sobre a epistemologia da prática docente, tema hoje constante de todos os espaços que tratam da formação docente. / Abstract: This study was motivated by the uncertainties derived from our experience as a teacher, since the beginning of our career as a trainee. This experience allowed us comprehend the importance of theory as a fundament for the teaching practice, provoking the interest by the relation between theory and practice, which must be comprehended as a totality, not attributing, though, primacy to any of them. From the growing investigation of these themes results their predominance in teacher training programs, which has turned to be centered in the reflexive practice. Thus, the reflexive practice has been related to a better quality in the teaching processes, as a try to solve the classic dilemmas: how to teach? Teach what and whom? Therefore, this study examines the ideas of authors such as Dewey (1959), Tardif (2002) and Schön (2000), which contribute to the diffusion of ideas that consider theory and knowledge as second-hand aspects in teacher training process and professional practice. We expect to contribute to the discussion on the teacher professional practice epistemology, a theme present nowadays in all places which debate the teacher training process. / Mestre

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / This study is about the aspects of male teacher work configuration in the period from 1975 until 2005 in Sergipe. It is based on Education History presupposes from both Cultural History and Sociology approach. The intention of this research is to comprehend the processes of professional choice, through the mechanisms of disturbance and changes accurred in a socio-historical view; the academic training and the investments in the career of teaching in the perspective of requirements and demands of a professional qualification from the lives histories of six teachers from the secondary and high education. It is expected with this investigation a contribution to the studies of teacher profession history in Sergipe. / Este estudo trata de aspectos da configuração do trabalho docente masculino no período de 1975 a 2005 em Sergipe. Fundamenta-se em pressupostos da História da Educação a partir da abordagem da História Cultural e da Sociologia. Intenta-se nesta pesquisa compreender os processos de escolha profissional, através dos mecanismos de perpetuação e mudanças ocorridas numa visão sócio-histórica; a formação e investimentos na carreira do magistério dentro de uma perspectiva de exigências e demandas de uma qualificação profissional a partir da história de vida de seis professores do ensino médio e superior. Espera-se, assim, contribuir para os estudos da História da Profissão docente em Sergipe. As trajetórias dos professores-homens pesquisadas que atuam no magistério público em Sergipe permitiram elucidar aspectos significativos do trabalho docente na atualidade. Na maioria dos relatos a escolha profissional aconteceu vinculada a questões sócio-econômicas e à presença próxima de professoras na família mães, tias, esposas, entre outras. Alguns dos professores desenvolveram outras atividades laborais juntamente com o magistério. O investimento profissional, através da busca pelo Mestrado em Educação, conforme revelaram os professores, foi feito visando melhorias salariais e a conquista de novos postos de trabalho.

D.Ed. / The research study focused on how teachers respond to policy demands given the challenges of rural education and dominating policy discourses and how their professional learning is shaped by these conditions and limitations. In particular I wanted to learn and document what and how teachers learn as they engage in Integrated Quality Management Systems. This study was conducted because there is an outcry of poor examinations results in some rural schools, which could be linked to poor implementation of policies. To respond to this outcry the Teacher Learning Framework which could be used by teachers was developed. The investigation into teacher learning processes when they engage in policy implementation was designed as an interpretive ethnographic study and was conducted in a disadvantaged rural primary school in Ladysmith, in KwaZulu Natal, in South Africa. The study involved five teachers and it was undertaken as an action research study in two cycles. The purpose of cycle one was to verify how teachers presented lessons in terms of policy requirements and guidelines, and authenticate how they learn in the process about their teaching, learners, themselves, and policy requirements. Lessons conducted by teachers were observed and the reflections were also made by two teachers. This was done also as a strategy to gather data. In cycle one, data revealed that teachers were not in a position to implement what they planned to implement. Teachers gave themselves time to plan for cycle two in order to improve on the shortcomings in cycle one. Teachers appeared to have prepared their lessons well, involving learners. Some teachers indicated clear lessons steps which were followed in the classroom. Even before they went to teach in class, they discussed their lessons plans which contributed to the improvement in cycle two. As a process of data gathering, five teachers were interviewed. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed. As a second level of data analysis which was towards developing the Teacher Professional Learning Framework, all the data types were visited with the aim of extracting and discovering codes and categories across data types. These codes and categories were used in a more thorough grounded analysis to formulate a Teacher Professional Learning Framework.

臺灣在2014年生育率為全球第二低國家，部份私立中學也因少子化的嚴重衝擊，近二、三年來造成招生不足，教師面臨超額、資遣、流浪教師等壓力。因此，私立中學教師更應以主動積極的態度，參與各種學習活動，來促進知識管理及專業成長的智能，增進教師及學校競爭力。 　　本研究旨在瞭解中學教師的知識管理與教師專業成長之間的關係；研究者以私立景文高中的教師為例，透過教育現場的觀察、訪談、質性資料之蒐集和分析，探討中學教師對知識管理與專業成長的知覺與實施現況。 　　本研究發現：在知識管理方面，1.中學教師知識的取得包括教師個人的自我成長、學校計畫性的規劃學習及資訊科技平台的運用。2.知識儲存可以透過教師專業發展平台、電子資料庫等資訊設備，並規劃教師專業社群。3.知識的分享有大小規模之分，宜透過更多獎勵機制擴散。4.在知識應用方面，依照學生的素質、能力實施不同的教學方法與教學知識；透過觀課及議課活動，給予回饋。5.知識的創新則是引進資訊工具、參加專業社群，開創學校的教學特色等。 　　在專業成長方面: 1.學校如能規劃「校本教師專業成長計畫」，可以有效提升教師專業成長。2.課程設計與教學的知能包括教師能運用己身優質的教學專業知識和技能，設計活潑的新課程；積極使用各項資訊設備，並運用腦力激盪及團隊工作來創新課程。3.班級經營與輔導包括教師用心培養學生建立優質的常規、學習文化、和諧氣氛及帶著走的基本能力；透過師生互動，了解學生個性、性向、興趣與專長，發揮其潛能、發現其問題，並能予以適當的協助與指導。 　　知識管理是促進教師專業成長的重要方法，教師如能運用知識管理的方法，有系統地管理知識，充實專業知識內涵，增進教學經驗與智慧，將有助於促進教師專業成長。教師專業成長有助於知識管理的持續推動，一位高度專業成長的教師，對於知識的取得及應用，通常也較為嫻熟且得心應手。因此，知識管理與教師專業成長成為動態的循環關係。 　　最後建議： 1.建置工作小組以協助所有學校推動知識管理及教師專業成長工作；2.提供教師多元的進修及研習機會，滿足教師專業成長需求；3.透過獎勵或競賽的方式，培養樂於分享的份為氛圍。4.擴大圖書館成為「知識管理資料庫」及「教師專業成長教學資源中心」；5.中學教師應努力提昇個人的知識管理和教師專業成長之知能；運用知識管理的技能，來提昇教師專業成長的素養。 / Taiwan’s birth rate became the second lowest of all countries in the world in 2014. Due to the serious impact on such low birth rate, some private high schools have been facing the number shortage of recruit in the past three years. And thus, the private high school teachers have also suffered the jobless pressure. Therefore, the private high school teachers should more aggressively participate in various learning events to enhance the ability to knowledge management and professional growth, and furthermore to improve the competitiveness of teachers and schools. The purpose of this study is to understand the relationship between the teacher knowledge management and the teacher professional growth in high schools. Cooperating with the teachers in Taipei Jinwen High School, the author explores the current situation of the high school teachers’ ability to knowledge management and professional growth via the observation and interviews in classes and the analyzation of qualitative data. In the aspect of knowledge management, this study observes that (1) the knowledge acquiring of high school teachers includes teachers’ self-growth, schools’ organized learning plan, and the application of informative technology platform; (2) the knowledge storing can be through informative facilities like teacher professional growth platform, electronic database and teacher professional community; (3) the knowledge sharing has different scales, it’s better to have more award systems to diffuse knowledge; (4) as the aspect of knowledge applying, teachers should use different teaching methods and knowledge according to students different learning quality, and give feedback during class; (5) as the aspect of knowledge innovating, schools can be introduced to informative tools and teachers can participate in professional community to develop great characteristics of schools. In the aspect of professional growth, this study observes that (1) the teacher professional growth can be highly improved if schools can organize “teacher professional growth plan”; (2) course design and teaching ability include design interesting courses by teachers’ professional expertise and skills and innovate courses by brainstorming and teamwork; (3) class management and counseling include developing students’ learning routine, culture, and environment. Through interactive between teacher and students, teachers should understand each student’s characteristics, interests, and expertise and try to help students do their best. Teachers should also properly guide students when they need help. The knowledge management is an important method to enhance teacher professional growth. If teachers can apply the knowledge management method, manage their knowledge systematically, increase their professional knowledge, and accumulate teaching experience, their professional growth can be highly enhanced. The teacher professional growth contributes to continuous implementation of knowledge management. Teachers with highly professional growth usually can acquire and apply knowledge more efficiently. Therefore, knowledge management and teacher professional growth are the dynamically interactive circular cycle. Final suggestions of this study: (1) set work team to assist al schools to implement knowledge management and teacher professional growth; (2) provide teachers multiple various learning opportunities to satisfy the require of teacher professional growth; (3) via encouragement or competitions, create the friendly-sharing environment; (4) expand the school library function as a “knowledge management database” and as a “teacher professional growth resource center”; (5) high school teachers should improve the ability to personal knowledge management and teacher professional growth, and teachers should apply the ability to knowledge management to enhance the level of teacher professional growth.