scholarly journals Uncovering missing links in collegial learning conversations

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-58
Author(s):  
Anna Fletcher ◽  
Ann Christine Wennergren

This article is the result of an international collaboration between two academics who work closely with local schools as critical friends, each in their own PLC setting. This exploratory study aims to apply an analytical model in order to illustrate possibilities and clarify silences or missing links in collegial learning conversations. The analytical model is applied to analyse collegial learning conversations from two PLC settings, along with collegial conversations between the two researchers. The analysis was guided by three core considerations: What? Why? How? Two purposely selected transcripts of conversations with two separate PLCs, along with anecdotal notes from our conversations as research colleagues, provided the base for analysis. Findings generated by the application of the analytical model indicated that teachers’ PLC conversations were most explicit in relation to identifying what elements of practice to improve and how to improve teaching and learning, rather than articulating why change initiatives to develop professional knowledge were needed or on what basis they were chosen. In turn, this prompted the researchers to become more aware of ‘why’ considerations in their own work as researchers.

1970 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonja Beeli-Zimmermann

Beliefs guide teachers’ actions in the classroom and thereby influence what students learn. While this insight has led to numerous studies, particularly in the area of mathematical beliefs, it has been neglected in the growing field of numeracy teaching and learning within adult education. This exploratory study presents five illustrative cases of Swiss adult education teachers and traces their experiences, both as students and teachers. Based on data mainly collected in semi-structured interviews, the author argues that this study supports existing evidence from mathematical belief research in other sectors of education, pointing to the relevance of practice-based experiences for the change of beliefs.


2016 ◽  
Vol 54 (4) ◽  
pp. 469-491 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Brown ◽  
Dell Zhang

Purpose – Whilst beneficial, the use of evidence to improve teaching and learning in schools is proving difficult to achieve in practice. The purpose of this paper is to shed new light on this issue by examining the applicability of a model of rational behaviour as relates to the notion of evidence-informed practice (EIP). Specifically, exploring the question: “if EIP is rational behavior, why are not all teachers engaged in it?”, the authors examine whether the beliefs and perspectives of teachers in relation to EIP, align with their evidence-use behaviours. The authors then assess what factors prevent teachers/schools from engaging in EIP. Design/methodology/approach – To examine beliefs, instances of, and barriers to evidence use, the authors employ a Gradient Boosted Tree predictive model to analyse data from a survey of 696 practitioners in 79 schools. Findings – The findings suggest that, should they wish to increase EIP within their schools, school leaders need to: first, promote the vision for evidence-use (i.e. actively encourage its use); second, illustrate how research and evidence can be effectively employed to enhance aspects of teaching and learning; and third, establish effective learning environments, in which learning conversations around the use of evidence, can flourish. Originality/value – Using a new, innovative model of rationality, the authors conclude that despite the focus on EIP in many school systems world-wide, evidence use will never be meaningfully realized unless school leaders prioritize EIP as a school commitment. Simultaneously, given the high-stakes accountability environments facing many school systems it is unlikely that prioritization of EIP will occur until EIP forms part of any education system’s accountability regime.


Author(s):  
Mesterjon Mesterjon ◽  
Suwarni Suwarni ◽  
Diah Selviani

This study was based on the findings during teaching and learning process at FKIP Universitas Dehasen Bengkulu (the Faculty of Educational Science and Teacher Training of Dehasen University of Bengkulu). There was a phenomenon of declining of good character value and morality. This is because of the misused of advancing technology by students that brings negative impact on the students' character and morality. This phenomenon was especially found among new students of FKIP (Faculty of Educational Science and Teacher Training) on their early stage of study. At the meeting of Educational Profession (Profesi Pendidikan) course, we did early observation by making contract with the new student.. They generally still brought their local character and moralor their old behavior. This could be seen, for example, they talked to their lecturers and seniors impolitely or often used their local language.  Everyone's patience was needed in dealing withthis phenomenon. As the lectures progressed, especially Educational Profession course, we tried to internalize character values toward the students. This had positive impact for them. Today, they are found to be more polite, for example, they greet their lecturers and seniors when they meet them. This study dealt with character values such as: religious, discipline, honest, hard work, responsible, love peace, appreciate achievements, and friendly or communicative. This Exploratory study which was done to internalize character value of the students, has positive impact, this can be seen fromthepositive progress of students' character. Students who already have good character will keep learning to have better personality. This wil affect their future job, especially if they become teachers.


Author(s):  
Asako Yoshida

In this exploratory study, a subject librarian and a writing instructor investigated the potential of designing blended learning around research paper assignments in the context of two foundational courses in the Faculty of Human Ecology at the University of Manitoba, Canada. The objective was to explore alternative, more embedded learning support for undergraduate students. The significance of blended learning support was situated in the broader literature of the teaching and learning practices in higher education. In this case study, descriptions of blended learning support for facilitating student learning, and of the main barrier to its implementation are provided. Based on what was learned in the exploratory study, the chapter provides working guidelines for designing and developing blended learning support, mainly drawing from Butler and Cartier’s (2004) research on academic engagement.


Author(s):  
Drew Polly ◽  
Elizabeth Rodgers ◽  
Melissa Little

This chapter provides an overview of interactive remote clickers and how they can be used in an elementary school classroom as a tool for formative assessment in mathematics. The authors share the perspective of a university professor, two teachers, and an elementary school student about the benefits of these types of devices in mathematics classrooms. To this end, they present two vignettes from two fourth grade classrooms and findings from an exploratory study that examined the influence of clickers on teaching and learning in classrooms. Implications and recommendations for using these devices in elementary mathematics classrooms are also provided.


Author(s):  
Hafizoah Kassim ◽  
Wan Rosmini Hassan

This chapter reports the application and utilization of virtual learning environment (VLE) in schools, specifically focused on Malaysian schools. The VLE utilization is an initiative by the Ministry of Education (MOE) Malaysia in its vision to embrace the global changes and advancement of technology. With the advancement of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0), this topic is especially important to address. This chapter discusses the provisions of technology-based facilities and tools in schools as part of the change initiatives by MOE Malaysia, and the accompanied teaching and learning practices and trainings affecting the teachers and students. These efforts are exemplified through specific programs which have been implemented namely e-Portfolio in the Genosis Program and Google Classroom, and by linking such endeavors to the Malaysia Education Blueprint. These initiatives are always challenging especially when it involves the utilization of the exponentially advancing technologies. This chapter also highlights the pursuing impacts and challenges of the initiatives on teachers, students, selected schools, and their receptions to change.


Author(s):  
G. Latham

This chapter describes how two lecturers in teacher education (with the assistance of critical friends) developed a virtual primary school as a digital tool to help preservice teachers at the theory/HCI practice interface. The development and future directions of their online virtual environment will be discussed and will detail how scenario building in online learning communities fosters an alternative way of thinking about teaching and learning. Developing the virtual primary school was not based on a course requiring flexible delivery in distance education. The primary school was created to provide a place of learning not often available to preservice teachers on their professional practice placements. While the concept for a virtual school is not a new one, our goals for its design were different, and application was specifically oriented toward inquiry learning and new learning philosophies involving HCI. We will explore how a narrative-based scenario approach has been assisting our work at the edge of the traditional and the new.


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