Dissertation (Ph.D.)--The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 2009. / Directed by Linda Hestenes; submitted to the Dept. of Human Development and Family Studies. Title from PDF t.p. (viewed May 27, 2010). Includes bibliographical references (p. 169-190).

Thesis (Ed. D.)--Illinois State University, 2004. / Title from title page screen, viewed November 17, 2005. Dissertation Committee: Robert L. Fisher (chair), Marilyn Moore, Marilyn Morey, Deborah B. Gentry. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 130-140) and abstract. Also available in print.

Thesis (M. Ed.)--University of Hong Kong, 2005. / Title proper from title frame. Also available in printed format.

Thesis (M. Ed.)--University of Hong Kong, 2005. / Title proper from title frame. Also available in printed format.

Thesis (M. S.)--University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 2006. / Title from PDF title page screen. Advisor: Deborah J. Cassidy; submitted to the School of Human Environmental Sciences. Includes bibliographical references (p. 90-99).

Thesis (M.Psych.Ed.) - University of Queensland, 2006. / Includes bibliography.

The purpose of this study is to examine how preschool teachers work with signs as alternative and additional communication in preschool to promote the development of children's language development. My questions of issue are how do preschool teachers use signs as alternative and additional communication in preschool, how do the teachers motivate and describe their work and what experiences does the preschool teachers have with signs as alternative and additional communication in preschool? My method of this study has been qualitative where interviews were made with six preschool teachers. To analyze the result of the interviews I have used the socio-cultural perspective by Vygotskij, that describes how important the language and interaction between people are. I also used Vygotskijs model the nearest development zone to analyze the importance of interplay between the preschool teachers and children. I have also used previous research and studies to strengthen my study. The study results are that all preschool teachers work with signs as alternative and additional communication with the purpose to develop all children’s communication. All the teachers had good experiences and a positive attitude to signs as language development for children. The preschool teachers consider it necessary to have more education in signs and to get follow-up of their work.

M.Ed. / This study is designed around the hypothesis that a modular approach in teacher education, within an educationally sound curriculum framework, could indicate an appropriate route towards the possible implementation of several training models. Teacher education for the pre-primary school phase, as well as other differientiated training programmes, may be accommodated within this flexible approach. Viewed together with the implementation of a modular system is the implicit need for centralised administrative machinery. Associated fieldwork included the following: * Three focused study visits abroad (1982 - 1989) * A . literature search and survey of research projects followed by a systematic s tudy of relevant publications, documents relating to education policy issues and selected legislation * Close involvement with a local pre-primary teacher training project * Consultation along structured lines with academics, educational experts and individuals engaged at policy level. The most significant findings were: a) Both in the RSA and overseas teacher education programmes are currently under review. b) Teacher education models incorporating flexibility are being developed. This element of flexibility introduces, in addition to 'traditional admission requirements attached to a specific course, exit points with a carry-forward of credits already acquired. c) A modular approach to teacher education programmes is gaining favour rapidly within educational circles, and also in the sphere of manpower planning. Based on the findings,. several recommendations were made with regard to a modular curriculum for teacher education and more specifically with reference to the pre-primary school phase in the RSA.

M.Ed. / The purpose of this study was to research and record the training process of teachers in a Grade R learning programme, within a context of inclusive education, by describing the teachers’ perception of the Grade R learning programme and by making certain changes to the training and training process that have been suggested in the study, and to offer guidelines with regard to the training of foundation phase educators, with specific reference to Grade R educators working within the context of inclusive education. The researcher opted for an interpretative action research design within a qualitative research paradigm since she wished to describe, interpret and explain actions within her research whilst attempting to bring about certain improvements within the teaching practice. The type of action research that was performed is known as practitioner action research because it was performed in the presence of, and with the cooperation of education practitioners as well as academics who assisted the researcher with relevant skills and resources. The following major themes were identified: Facilitating, programme implementation, complete empowerment, cooperation as well as common religious convictions. The most significant findings were the following: When we look at the facilitation of training programmes, it is of the utmost importance that the facilitator accepts from the onset that the participants as well as the facilitators will experience uncertainty within themselves, specifically regarding their own knowledge and abilities and the level of acceptance they will experience in the company of other professionals. It is therefore all the more important to determine each participant’s expectations regarding the purpose and outcomes of the the training programme as this will ease the process considerably and at the same time render the facilitator a clear idea of what needs to be addressed and what not. Facilitators of training programmes, especially within contexts similar to this study, should reflect on the importance of sound relationships being established between facilitator and participants. The initial level of experience and skill of each participant should be determined before the start of the programme and here the facilitator plays an enormous role as far as emotional and social support is concerned. When it comes to programme implementation, I should think that educators in all possible contexts will benefit immensely from the format of the lessons, the contents of the lessons as well as the presentation thereof because these are outcomes-based lessons. In terms of contexts similar to the one in this reseach, it is important that the facilitator works through each new lesson with the educators to ensure that they fully understand everything and also to give them the opportunity to ask questions as this will enable them to implement these lessons with enhanced confidence in their own classes. It was important for the teachers to experience their training in a practical manner because they learnt from one another, they had the opportunity to exchange ideas and, whatever problems they experienced, could be addressed and solved immediately. In conclusion I would like to strongly advocate the choice of practitioner research as research methodology in any study that is focussed on the improvement of the teaching practice. Not only does it hold immense benefits for practitioners, but as researcher I experienced complete personal enrichment in as far as I acted as an agent of meaningful change in the lives of the practitioners who accompanied me on this journey.

No description available.