Workshop to classroom : how effective new teacher skills enter classroom practice
Date
2003
Authors
Williams, Paul
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 2003
Abstract
This paper explores the effectiveness of a model of the Pan-Canadian Science Institute in
providing teachers with new hand-held technology skills, and explores the process of
actually implementing these new skills into classroom practice. Teachers participated in
an intensive, five-day professional development in-service institute where they worked
collaboratively to learn and practice a wide range of uses of graphing calculators and
linked data-gathering devices, and discussed and shared views on effective pedagogy
with this technology. Pre- and post-workshop surveys provided data to assess the change
in teacher skill with, and attitude towards, the use of this technology. Follow-up activity,
including frequent and regular encouragement and technical support throughout the
implementation period, helped teachers to evaluate and improve the efficacy of their
efforts to implement this technology in the classroom and to determine what impact this
may have on their students in high school science. Through teacher reflective practices,
survey data from participating teachers and students, classroom observation, and
interviews with teachers and a sample of students, suggestions to improve the
effectiveness of the Pan-Canadian Science Institute, follow-up activity, and
implementation process have been determined.
Description
vii, 79 leaves ; 29 cm. --
Keywords
Educational technology , Teaching -- Aids and devices