scholarly journals Wiser Together: Sustaining Teaching Excellence With a Self–Study/Critical Friend

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tracy W. Smith ◽  
Leslie U. Bradbury
2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-32
Author(s):  
Tracy W. Smith ◽  
Leslie U. Bradbury

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-93
Author(s):  
Alexandra Louise Sewell

This paper presents a Self-Study of my quest for a personal pedagogy as a HE lecturer in my first year of teaching. I experimented with the application of Inquiry Based Learning as a teaching method of active learning pedagogy. The influence of the experiences of choice and implementation of Inquiry Based Learning on the development of my academic identity are explored. The paper is theoretically grounded in accounts of academic identity formation put forth by Jenkins (1996), Danielewicz and Yem (2014) and King et al. (2014). Themes of identity, arising from experiences of pedagogical choice and teaching practice, were a need for conformity versus a desire for individualism, theoretical knowledge and paradigm adherence, pragmatic constraints and student – lecturer relationship and confidence. These themes are discussed in relation to existing Inquiry Based Learning research literature. With the publication of the first Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) published in 2017, the paper makes a timely addition to the discourse of new lecturer’s experiences and the often-challenging process of initial academic identity formation. It also offers research into the effects of Inquiry Based Learning for the lecturer, whereas the outcomes for students have been mostly examined by previous literature.   


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward R. Howe ◽  
Georgann Cope Watson

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a dramatic pivot to online learning and has forced teachers to critically re-evaluate teaching strategies. Thus, the questions, framing this self-study were: 1) How will I be able to do the learning activities I normally do in the classroom online including individual work, group activities, debates, and whole class discussions? and 2) How will I be able to pivot my signature lessons to the alternate delivery model? This self-study of teaching and teacher education practices (S-STTEP) builds on previous research to transform traditional face-to-face lessons into effective online lessons using alternate modes of delivery. In this paper, Ted shares some of his signature lessons including ice-breakers, critical response questions, discussions, group activities, and jigsaws, utilizing Moodle, Big Blue Button, Padlet, Google Docs, and other online tools. With Georgann’s help as a critical friend, Ted critically analyzed his teaching of Master of Education graduate students through S-STTEP. In addition, he explored comparative ethnographic narrative (CEN) as another way of knowing within the S-STTEP space. Data included detailed weekly reflections. In addition, students provided written feedback at the end of each class, and at the end of term through a survey and course evaluation. Ted shared weekly electronic journal reflections and student feedback with Georgann, via email and teleconferences. Then, together Ted and Georgann made meaning from these field texts. The research text evolved from teacher-to-teacher conversations. Promising pedagogies for synchronous and face to face learning were identified with several signature lessons the focus. Georgann, as Ted’s critical friend helped confirm and verify the most significant results amongst the many interesting reflections made.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 1-24
Author(s):  
Leandro Blass ◽  
Valesca Brasil Irala

Neste trabalho, analisamos o design e a implementação de rubricas de avaliação (Brookhart, 2013; Howell,2014) na disciplina de graduação de Cálculo Numérico. A metodologia é qualitativa, a partir da perspectiva do self-study, pautada pela estratégia do critical friend (Cornejo, 2016; Sandretto, 2016; Schuck & Russell, 2016; Butler et al., 2011). Como resultado, apresentamos as quatro rubricas desenvolvidas e implementadas e suas implicações de natureza situada; depois, discutimos em que proporção se mostraram válidas para atender as demandas do professor, bem como vislumbramos novas reflexões em relação ao processo avaliativo, a fim de qualificá-lo. Como conclusão, validamos a reflexão fundamentada e a ação baseada em reflexão para conduzir (re)configurações no plano micro (a sala de aula), podendo repercutir, a médio e longo prazo, em alterações nos planos meso e macro.  Também, buscamos contribuir para o desenvolvimento de pesquisas que utilizem a estratégia do critical friends na  formação continuada no Ensino Superior.


Author(s):  
Jan Williams ◽  
Reese Todd

This auto-ethnographic study describes a practical application of qualitative research skills in an intensive writing retreat. The retreat was held in response to an inadequate dissertation defense just three weeks before final university deadline for graduation. It uses narrative and double- storytelling to step in and out of the experience of a debriefing process that put the writer in a vulnerable position with a critical friend. The reality of not completing the PhD demanded aggressive and immediate action – an intense commitment to critical analysis of the dissertation. The reflective self-study of the writing retreat experience describes the significance of a critical friend, a safe place, commitment to task, trust, respect, and risk-taking that resulted in an approved dissertation and completed degree program. The unconventional action encourages exploration of alternative approaches for both doctoral committees and students struggling with the final phase of dissertation writing. Insights on collaboration and reflection are shown in the analogy with the playful spider sniffing activity.


2005 ◽  
Vol 75 (2) ◽  
pp. 202-221 ◽  
Author(s):  
LAURA GRANDAU

In this article, Laura Grandau traces a self-study research project focused on teaching algebra to fourth-grade students. Facing a new curriculum and a new grade level, Grandau considers what good instruction and "good habits of practice" may be. Through journaling, videos, observations, analysis of students' verbal and written responses, and consultations with her "critical friend" Sean (also a teacher), Grandau develops a "critical distance" from her teaching. While doing this reflective work, she negotiates the ambiguities of teaching and learning. Although Grandau's work is of interest to teachers of mathematics, those in critical friend or peer mentoring relationships, and teacher researchers, it also serves as a model of how inquiry teaches, fostering growth in teachers, students, and communities of practice.


Author(s):  
K. Andrew R. Richards ◽  
James D. Ressler

Purpose: Scholars, including those in physical education, have investigated the socialization of higher education faculty members. Informed by self-study of teacher education practices and occupational socialization theory, we aimed to understand Kevin’s experiences during a transition from one institution to another with the help of his critical friend, Jim. Methodology/Methods: Data were collected through prolonged journaling and critical friend discussions. Resulting text files were analyzed thematically with a focus on identifying turning points. Findings: Themes developed through qualitative analysis included: (a) readjusting scholarly targets and embracing grantspersonship, (b) giving up control and facilitating research, and (c) balancing being a team player with self-advocacy. Discussion/Conclusions: Kevin’s transition was supported by recognizing shifting norms of his new faculty role and influence of self-study of teacher education practices for ongoing, career professional development. Prior and current socialization influences framed this development.


Author(s):  
Jenifer Schneider ◽  
Audra Parker

In this paper, we share the results of a self - study of our experience as university supervisors in a study abroad program for U.S. pre - service teachers. We share the shifts in our thinking that occurred as a result of our daily conversations about our work as teacher educators. Our reflections led us to new understandings of the nuances of field experiences, our constructions of pre - service teachers in the field, and the necessity of personal and professional renewal for faculty, not only as critical friends, but as peer relief.


2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Poh-Sun SEOW ◽  
Gary Pan

ABSTRACT Online learning has been gaining widespread adoption due to its success in enhancing student-learning outcomes and improving student academic performance. This paper describes an online tutorial to teach resource-event-agent (REA) data modeling in an undergraduate accounting information systems course. The REA online tutorial reflects a self-study application designed to help students improve their understanding of the REA data model. As such, the tutorial acts as a supplement to lectures by reinforcing the concepts and incorporating practices to assess student understanding. Instructors can access the REA online tutorial at http://smu.sg/rea. An independent survey by the University's Centre for Teaching Excellence found a significant increase in students' perceived knowledge of REA data modeling after using the REA online tutorial compared to their knowledge prior to using the tutorial. Students also rated their overall satisfaction with and the effectiveness of the REA online tutorial as high.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document