Developing Prospective Principals’ Problem-Framing Skills

2003 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 529-548 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Aaron Copland

This article reports on a study that inquired about the teaching and learning of administrative problem-framing skills in a problem-based learning (PBL) administrator preparation program. A literature-based definition of problem-framing ability is developed and a theoretical rationale for the study, based on elements of a social-psychological framework, is introduced. Employing a one-group pretest–posttest design, the problem-framing ability of students in one program cohort was measured prior to exposure to any PBL experiences and again at the end of their preparation program after repeated exposure to PBL. A statistical analysis reveals students’ problem-framing ability improves significantly over time, associated with their level of exposure to PBL. In postprogram qualitative data, graduates suggest PBL preparation develops their ability to frame problems encountered in practice. Finally, the implications of the findings for instructional practice and future research on administrator preparation are explored.

2001 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 335-366 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Aaron Copland

The most recent wave of reform in the preparation of school leaders has been underway for more than a decade. Clear description of successful program efforts can provide the field of educational leadership with an understanding of promising new and innovative directions in preparation. This article provides an analytic case description of one reform-oriented administrator preparation program, the Prospective Principals Program at Stanford University. The voices of students, graduates, and program faculty are incorporated to illustrate and document the evolution of the program. Promising aspects of the program, including implications in six specific areas, are highlighted in an effort to contribute to the growing knowledge base emerging from reform efforts in preparation.


2018 ◽  
pp. 2140-2165
Author(s):  
Leslie Cordie ◽  
Maria Martinez Witte ◽  
James E. Witte

Faculty are increasing the use of emerging technologies in their classrooms and are recognizing the value of blending face-to-face and online learning to meet educational needs. Blended learning is defined as combining face-to-face and online learning formats. This chapter discusses the definition of blended learning and how it is affecting adult learning experiences and classroom settings. This chapter also addresses faculty and instructional design practices that can be used for blended learning and to continue promoting a positive teaching and learning environment for both face-to-face and online learners. Future research efforts can be focused on faculty development and academic support to continue fostering blended learning and meeting the needs of today's learners.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Lynn E Grant

<p>Idioms - a type of multiword unit (MWU) - are defined as being non-compositional and in general cannot be understood by adding together the meanings of the individual words that comprise the MWU. Because of this, they present a particular challenge to students who speak English as a second- or foreign-language (ESL/EFL). As a teacher of second-language (L2) learners, it is just that challenge which has motivated this study. Specifically, there were two main aims of the thesis. In order to know how to teach idioms to ESL/EFL learners, we - as language teachers - need to know how to define and explain them. Therefore, the first aim of the study was to either find an English (L1) definition of an idiom which could clearly distinguish one type from another, and an idiom from a non-idiom, or to develop a new definition. Having not found such a definition, a new definition was put forward, dividing MWUs presently known as idioms into three new groups - core idioms, figuratives, and ONCEs (one noncompositional element). The L1 perspective was adopted for the definition as an L2 perspective would involve considerably more variables. The second aim was to develop a comprehensive list of one of the three new groups - core idioms - and then try to establish frequency, using a corpus search. A number of steps were taken to compile this list, involving an examination of several sources of written and spoken English. The result was that when the criteria established to define a core idiom - being both non-compositional and non-figurative - were strictly applied to the large collection of MWUs presently known as 'idioms', the figure was reduced to only 104 MWUs deemed to be either core idioms or 'borderline figuratives' and 'borderline ONCEs'. Next the British National Corpus (BNC), a corpus of 100 million words, was searched for occurrences of these 104 core idioms and borderlines to establish their frequency. The result of the corpus search showed that none of the core idioms occurs frequently enough to get into the most frequent 5,000 words of English. However, as the motivation to do the study was the desire to find a better way to teach idiomatic MWUs, a brief discussion followed with suggestions for the teaching and learning of these idiomatic MWUs. Finally, some methodological implications and suggestions for future research were put forward, looking at further research which would advance the field of second-language acquisition (SLA) related to the learning of idiomatic MWUs.</p>


2017 ◽  
Vol 56 (8) ◽  
pp. 1179-1212 ◽  
Author(s):  
ChanMin Kim ◽  
Jiangmei Yuan ◽  
Dongho Kim ◽  
Prashant Doshi ◽  
Chi N. Thai ◽  
...  

We developed RoboSTEM, a portal for open educational resources for the use of robotics in teaching and learning, to help teachers learn how to design and implement lessons using robotics. In this article, the design and functionality of RoboSTEM and the theoretical foundations behind its design are described. Two usability testing studies are also presented. Participants were 13 pre- and in-service teachers. Results from both quantitative and qualitative data analyses show that (a) usability survey ratings were positive overall and improved after revisions from the first usability study to the second; (b) data from participants’ screen activities and interviews were aligned with the survey results; (c) high levels of behavioral, cognitive, and emotional engagement in RoboSTEM were observed; and (d) the positive impact of RoboSTEM on example-based learning was acknowledged among teachers. Applications of RoboSTEM as well as future research and development directions are discussed.


Author(s):  
Jenny Eppard ◽  
Zeina Hojeij ◽  
Pinar Ozdemir-Ayber ◽  
Marlieke Rodjan-Helder ◽  
Sandra Baroudi

Research indicates that mobile learning (ML), has the potential to transform teaching and learning. Despite its benefits, mobile learning adoption is a challenging process which requires support to facilitate its integration. The focus of this article is to investigate the factors that could affect ML acceptance. The quantitative and qualitative data collected from the surveys revealed additional information regarding the pedagogical benefits of and obstacles to mobile learning integration. Even though participants in this study reported to be late adopters of technology, they  maintained that ML is useful for learning, specifically ubiquitous learning. Teachers also noted that mobile learning integration is more successful when aligned with local cultural norms.  Mobile learning tools that might be culturally appropriate in one context may not always be accepted in another.  Findings of this study provide several implications and recommendations for future research on mobile learning implementation. Further research could explore the development and utilization of a rubric with specific criteria for evaluating mobile learning applictations.<strong> �  </strong>


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Lynn E Grant

<p>Idioms - a type of multiword unit (MWU) - are defined as being non-compositional and in general cannot be understood by adding together the meanings of the individual words that comprise the MWU. Because of this, they present a particular challenge to students who speak English as a second- or foreign-language (ESL/EFL). As a teacher of second-language (L2) learners, it is just that challenge which has motivated this study. Specifically, there were two main aims of the thesis. In order to know how to teach idioms to ESL/EFL learners, we - as language teachers - need to know how to define and explain them. Therefore, the first aim of the study was to either find an English (L1) definition of an idiom which could clearly distinguish one type from another, and an idiom from a non-idiom, or to develop a new definition. Having not found such a definition, a new definition was put forward, dividing MWUs presently known as idioms into three new groups - core idioms, figuratives, and ONCEs (one noncompositional element). The L1 perspective was adopted for the definition as an L2 perspective would involve considerably more variables. The second aim was to develop a comprehensive list of one of the three new groups - core idioms - and then try to establish frequency, using a corpus search. A number of steps were taken to compile this list, involving an examination of several sources of written and spoken English. The result was that when the criteria established to define a core idiom - being both non-compositional and non-figurative - were strictly applied to the large collection of MWUs presently known as 'idioms', the figure was reduced to only 104 MWUs deemed to be either core idioms or 'borderline figuratives' and 'borderline ONCEs'. Next the British National Corpus (BNC), a corpus of 100 million words, was searched for occurrences of these 104 core idioms and borderlines to establish their frequency. The result of the corpus search showed that none of the core idioms occurs frequently enough to get into the most frequent 5,000 words of English. However, as the motivation to do the study was the desire to find a better way to teach idiomatic MWUs, a brief discussion followed with suggestions for the teaching and learning of these idiomatic MWUs. Finally, some methodological implications and suggestions for future research were put forward, looking at further research which would advance the field of second-language acquisition (SLA) related to the learning of idiomatic MWUs.</p>


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 64-94
Author(s):  
Panagiotis Kakavas ◽  
Francesco C. Ugolini

Abstract This study presents a 13-year (2006–2018) systematic literature review related to the way that computational thinking (CT) has grown in elementary level education students (K-6) with the intention to: (a) present an overview of the educational context/setting where CT has been implemented, (b) identify the learning context that CT is used in education, (c) highlight the ways of assessment/measurement of CT and present the learning outcomes for students who engage in CT educational activities. A set of criteria were specified to select appropriate studies for inclusion in the review. A thorough search in ten large electronic databases, meeting the inclusion criteria, revealed 53 studies on CT in primary education. The results of the study revealed a variety of educational and learning contexts that CT has been integrated. The majority of studies use the framework of programming for both plugged and unplugged activities in order to cultivate students’ CT-skills, while the main interest focuses on the subject of Computer Science and STEM field in general. However, teaching and learning issues on CT-concepts and skills, CT-measurement and the adoption of an established definition of CT remain a challenge. Based on the current findings, some recommendations and implications for future research are provided.


Author(s):  
Leslie Cordie ◽  
Maria Martinez Witte ◽  
James E. Witte

Faculty are increasing the use of emerging technologies in their classrooms and are recognizing the value of blending face-to-face and online learning to meet educational needs. Blended learning is defined as combining face-to-face and online learning formats. This chapter discusses the definition of blended learning and how it is affecting adult learning experiences and classroom settings. This chapter also addresses faculty and instructional design practices that can be used for blended learning and to continue promoting a positive teaching and learning environment for both face-to-face and online learners. Future research efforts can be focused on faculty development and academic support to continue fostering blended learning and meeting the needs of today's learners.


Author(s):  
Leslie Cordie ◽  
Maria Martinez Witte ◽  
James E. Witte

Faculty are increasing the use of emerging technologies in their classrooms and are recognizing the value of blending face-to-face and online learning to meet educational needs. Blended learning is defined as combining face-to-face and online learning formats. This chapter discusses the definition of blended learning and how it is affecting adult learning experiences and classroom settings. This chapter also addresses faculty and instructional design practices that can be used for blended learning and to continue promoting a positive teaching and learning environment for both face-to-face and online learners. Future research efforts can be focused on faculty development and academic support to continue fostering blended learning and meeting the needs of today's learners.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document