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Author: Donna Joan Murray Publisher: ISBN: Category : Languages : en Pages : 276
Book Description
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to add to the existing knowledge base concerning the teacher-led study group as an effective form of student centered professional development. Administrators' and teachers' perceptions concerning the effects of study group participation and the evidence of change to which they referred was the focus. Research showed that study group participation is gaining popularity as a form of professional development (Murphy & Lick, 2001). Study groups typically gather educators together to learn more about topics of their choice. Their goal is usually two-fold: to improve both teaching and student learning. At sessions colleagues reflect on experiences, share what is working, and cooperatively solves problems of implementation. Evidence indicates that collegial conversations increase teacher knowledge, stimulate new understanding, and encourage teachers to try new approaches they might not have had the courage to try. The following research questions stimulated this qualitative study: (1) What are administrators' perceptions about the role of study groups in meeting district-wide professional development goals? (2) What factors do participants consider important when participating in a study group as a form of professional development? (3) What are teachers' perceptions about the effects of study group participation on their own teaching practices and on their students' learning outcomes? (4) What types of evidence do teachers and administrators provide to support their perceptions of teaching and learning outcomes of study group participation? This study captured the perceptions of 25 teachers, three principals, and one assistant superintendent. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews, observations, surveys, and document analysis. Results indicated that administrators perceived study groups as providing a way to introduce new ideas to the faculty, to get test results into the classroom, to connect to district-wide goals, and to provide an opportunity for reflection. The type of evidence that most administrators offered was large-scale test results. Teachers described situations involving taking responsibility for student learning, using best practices, and engaging in collaborative problem solving. They found evidence of change in daily observations and large-scale test results. In conclusion, the use of study groups as a form of professional development contributed to the creation of a stimulating environment that supported teachers' professional growth and provided a way to accomplish district-wide goals.
Author: Donna Joan Murray Publisher: ISBN: Category : Languages : en Pages : 276
Book Description
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to add to the existing knowledge base concerning the teacher-led study group as an effective form of student centered professional development. Administrators' and teachers' perceptions concerning the effects of study group participation and the evidence of change to which they referred was the focus. Research showed that study group participation is gaining popularity as a form of professional development (Murphy & Lick, 2001). Study groups typically gather educators together to learn more about topics of their choice. Their goal is usually two-fold: to improve both teaching and student learning. At sessions colleagues reflect on experiences, share what is working, and cooperatively solves problems of implementation. Evidence indicates that collegial conversations increase teacher knowledge, stimulate new understanding, and encourage teachers to try new approaches they might not have had the courage to try. The following research questions stimulated this qualitative study: (1) What are administrators' perceptions about the role of study groups in meeting district-wide professional development goals? (2) What factors do participants consider important when participating in a study group as a form of professional development? (3) What are teachers' perceptions about the effects of study group participation on their own teaching practices and on their students' learning outcomes? (4) What types of evidence do teachers and administrators provide to support their perceptions of teaching and learning outcomes of study group participation? This study captured the perceptions of 25 teachers, three principals, and one assistant superintendent. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews, observations, surveys, and document analysis. Results indicated that administrators perceived study groups as providing a way to introduce new ideas to the faculty, to get test results into the classroom, to connect to district-wide goals, and to provide an opportunity for reflection. The type of evidence that most administrators offered was large-scale test results. Teachers described situations involving taking responsibility for student learning, using best practices, and engaging in collaborative problem solving. They found evidence of change in daily observations and large-scale test results. In conclusion, the use of study groups as a form of professional development contributed to the creation of a stimulating environment that supported teachers' professional growth and provided a way to accomplish district-wide goals.
Author: Robert L. Walker Publisher: ISBN: Category : Follow-up in teacher training Languages : en Pages : 134
Book Description
The need for systemic academic improvements may significantly impact the way professional development is perceived and practiced in high schools today. The purpose of the present qualitative case study was to examine the perceptions of teachers and administrators in five high schools in south central Pennsylvania regarding staff development. This study examined how novice and veteran teachers and administrators perceived the (a) context, (b) process, and (c) content vital to the process of staff development. Furthermore, this study sought to find the interconnectedness between the current body of research and the perceptions of novice and veteran administrators as well as novice and veteran teachers regarding the impact of collaborative professional learning experiences in order to improve professional practice. Finally, this study investigated the perceived change in classroom practice as a result of implementing new practices gained from professional development experiences. These perceptions were gathered through (a) surveys, (b) interviews, and (c) group interviews. This study used five suburban high schools in two counties in South Central Pennsylvania. The most prevalent themes that established a connection to change in teacher behavior as a result of professional development activities identified in this study were (a) collaboration with other teachers, (b) personal value, (c) limited objectives, and (d) connections to evaluation. This study could serve school districts as a resource to evaluate and improve current professional development systems within their schools with intent of improving the efficiency and effectiveness professional development activities.
Author: Meganlyn R. Norris Publisher: ISBN: Category : Group reading Languages : en Pages : 133
Book Description
This qualitative study examined teachers' and administrators' perceptions of the impact of professional development on small group differentiated reading instruction in the primary grades. Seventeen general education public school teachers who taught small group differentiated reading instruction and four public school principals who supervised teachers as they implemented differentiated reading instruction participated in the online survey. Additionally, a limited number of teachers and administrators also participated in face-to-face interviews. The data were collected and analyzed according to teachers' and administrators' perceptions of the effectiveness of professional development received on small group differentiated reading instruction, and teachers' and administrators' beliefs about best practices of professional development on small group differentiated reading instruction. The results indicated that teachers and administrators have similar perceptions of effective professional development strategies that enhance differentiated reading instruction. These perceptions included participating in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to analyze student data and instructional practices; observing a coach modeling best practices as well as being observed by a coach; and attending district led professional development workshops. The findings from this study also revealed that teachers and administrators have similar beliefs about effective professional development practices for differentiated reading instruction which included participating in PLCs, coaching, and being provided differentiated professional development sessions. Although this study had a small sample size, the identified findings were supported by research and may benefit the field by contributing to how effective professional development can be designed to improve differentiated reading instruction.
Author: Rachel Martin Publisher: ISBN: Category : Languages : en Pages :
Book Description
Abstract Only a few studies have questioned teachers' perceptions of collaborative professional development work at the elementary level; however there is considerable literature on collaborative teams as a means for professional development. Professional development programs are often diverse in philosophy, each with their own advantages and disadvantages, however the research on high quality professional development seems to support collaboration. The purpose of this study was to examine elementary teachers' perceptions of collaborative professional development teams. Capturing teachers' perspectives on collaborative practices could potentially provide insight to administrators when creating professional development opportunities for teachers. Are collaborative teams seen (1) as a mechanism for promoting teacher growth, (2) a way to improve their own practice, and (3) a way to improve the practice of their team? In addition, does the principals' control of these collaborative teams (4) have any influence on the teachers' perceived value of these teams, and (5) are the perceptions of the teachers and principals comparable in regards to collaborative professional development teams? The study included five elementary schools in a large urban district where there was a strong commitment to professional development. Two of the five schools participated in face-to- face interviews for in-depth conversations and data collection. Teachers and principals were a part of this case study. Through data analysis, the participants reported that collaborative teams were a positive means for professional development as they perceived it. The professional development teams were perceived by teachers as being more successful when: 1) there were opportunities to share in vertical teams, 2) there were structures and adequate time was provided, 3) there was a safe environment, 4) there was trust in colleagues, 5) the work was connected to the goals of the school, and 6) they saw student work improving as a result of their collaborative efforts. In addition, the data revealed that the amount of control that the principal has in creating the collaborative teams does not appear to negatively impact teachers' perceptions of the positive benefits of practice. When teachers felt that their work was purposeful and focused on school goals they were more willing to work in any team configuration that they were assigned to, as this helped them to grow professionally.
Author: Rona C. Kaufmann Publisher: ISBN: Category : Teacher work groups Languages : en Pages : 163
Book Description
This case study investigated teachers' and administrators' perceptions of the value of lesson study as a professional development activity employed within an existing professional learning community. Potential barriers to the implementation of lesson study in U.S. schools were also examined. Teams of grade level teachers engaged in lesson study in an urban elementary school. Administrators observed the lesson study teams in all phases of the process. Teachers and administrators completed online surveys and participated in interviews with the researcher. Teachers also provided written reflections based on their lesson study work. The common factors that gave value to the process were observation of the teaching act and depth of lesson analysis. Time and competing initiatives were consistently identified as potential barriers to the implementation of lesson study by both participant groups. Collaborative, joint ownership; the observation, discussion, and revision steps of lesson study; and the depth of lesson analysis emerged as the key components of the process to teachers over time.
Author: Barb Birchak Publisher: ISBN: Category : Business & Economics Languages : en Pages : 164
Book Description
Highlighting the issues involved in starting and maintaining a teacher study group, this book provides practical suggestions for organizing, facilitating, and dealing with group dynamics within a study group. It addresses the details that go into making decisions about the time, place, group size, resources, and structure of the meetings, as well as potential difficulties and ways to address them. Guidelines, samples of notes, transcripts of actual conversations all help to re-create the ecology of existing study groups. Chapters in the book are: (1) Why Form a Teacher Study Group?; (2) What Is a Study Group?; (3) How Are Study Groups Organized?; (4) How Are Study Groups Facilitated?; (5) What Does a Study Group Session Sound Like?; (6) What Are the Issues That Study Groups Confront?; and (7) What Is the Influence of Dialogue and Reflection beyond the Study Group? Contains 23 references. (RS)
Author: Kristi T. Sayers Publisher: ISBN: Category : High school teachers Languages : en Pages : 167
Book Description
This qualitative multiple case study explored what district leaders, high school administrators, and high school teachers in a large southeastern school district in the United States thought about participating in Professional Learning Communities (PLC)s as a form of professional learning for teachers. One common method of professional development over the last decade is the Professional Learning Communities. Learning communities are popular as a way to support student achievement; however, there is limited research to show how teachers learn as a result of participating in professional learning communities. There is also limited research to support this type of professional development as effective professional development in the high school setting. My study helped to fill the gap by looking at whether this method of professional development supports adult learning and creates a change in classroom practice. The study was conducted in one school system that had created a strategic plan for continuous school improvement involving the mandatory use of professional learning communities in its schools. The system had a sustained 7-year effort and provided time and resources for the professional learning communities. The participants included four district leaders, five administrators, and three focus groups consisting of 25 total teachers. Data analysis was conducted at two different levels, within each individual case and across the three cases. Individual case analysis was conducted for three cases: (1) district leaders; (2) high school administrators; and (3) high school teachers. For each case, themes and subthemes emerged. A cross-case analysis of the three cases revealed similarities and differences among the three individual cases. Four themes emerged from the cross-case analysis: (1) administrator responsibility; (2) attitude; (3) collaboration; and (4) authentic learning. The four themes presented a description of how professional learning communities support adult learning. Because of this qualitative study, school districts and administrators may have a better understanding of how to structure their professional learning communities to support adult learning for their teachers.
Author: Carlene U. Murphy Publisher: Corwin ISBN: 9780761977544 Category : Education Languages : en Pages : 0
Book Description
One of the most successful and exciting approaches to reform and change in education today is that of whole-faculty study groups. This holistic, practical approach facilitates schoolwide change and enhanced student learning. This second edition of Whole-Faculty Study Groups presents many new illustrative examples, snapshots of real-world situations, and step-by-step instructions for the development and implementation of whole-faculty study groups in schools. This book is written primarily for teachers and administrators in primary schools, but would also make an excellent resource for central office personnel, faculty in schools of teacher and administrator preparation, and corporate and governmental organizations involved with schools and school reform, education, and training.
Author: Maryann T. Cox Publisher: ISBN: Category : Group work in education Languages : en Pages : 123
Book Description
The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore teachers' perceptions regarding the impact of Whole-Faculty Study Groups on professional growth, instructional practices, and student achievement. This research also sought to determine the perceptions of teachers regarding the effectiveness of Whole-Faculty Study Groups compared to other professional development models. Data were collected from 41 teachers in two schools engaged in a Whole-Faculty Study Group model of professional development. Surveys and interviews were the instruments used to collect the data. Results indicated that Whole-Faculty Study Groups were positive in their impact on professional growth, instructional practices, and student achievement. Findings also revealed that Whole-Faculty Study Groups were an effective model of professional development when compared to other models. Teachers explained that Whole-Faculty Study Groups provided them with a choice in their topic of study and time for on-going, collaborative study that was relevant to their work. Teachers cited the benefits of sharing with their colleagues, learning from them, and being supported by them. While agreeing that Whole-Faculty Study Groups were positive in their impact and effectiveness, several participants suggested that other models of professional development can also be effective and one teacher pointed out that a well-balanced professional development plan should include more than one model.
Author: Donna Joan Murray
Author: Donna Joan Murray
Author: Ya-fang Chiu
Author: Robert L. Walker
Author: Meganlyn R. Norris
Author: Rachel Martin
Author: Rona C. Kaufmann
Author: Barb Birchak
Author: Kristi T. Sayers
Author: Carlene U. Murphy
Author: Maryann T. Cox