The purpose of this study was to evaluate the current status of the
implementation of Benin's new elementary science curriculum. The study
used the Concerns-Based Adoption Model (CBAM), a model designed to
evaluate the implementation of educational innovations. Specifically the
study attempted to ascertain teachers' concerns about the science curriculum,
the levels of use of the curriculum and the degree to which the curriculum
components were implemented. The CBAM Stages of Concerns
questionnaire and structured Levels of Use interview were used to collect
data respectively on teachers' concerns and level of use. An Innovation
Configuration checklist was developed to measure teachers' patterns of use
with respect to each of the curriculum key components.
The study was directed toward 57 third and fourth grade teachers
involved in the implementation of the new curriculum. Findings of the
study indicated that teachers have their most intense concerns in the
information, personal, and collaboration areas. Regarding teachers' level of
use of the science curriculum, the majority of teachers were still trying to
solve mechanical problems such as material gathering, lesson planning, and
time management. With respect to curriculum components, fundamental
components, such as teaching methodology and evaluation technique, were
not implemented at the acceptable level.
These findings have implications for research and staff development
programs for a successful implementation of the science curriculum. Specific
plans for improvement include structuring training programs to meet
individual teacher needs and concerns, establishing an efficient support
system, and providing resources and materials. / Graduation date: 1997
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ORGSU/oai:ir.library.oregonstate.edu:1957/34075 |
| Date | 11 November 1996 |
| Creators | Kouton, Adjoke E. J. |
| Contributors | Niess, Margaret L. |
| Source Sets | Oregon State University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
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