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1
Wilks, Patricia A., and n/a. "Teacher morale in A.C.T. primary schools." University of Canberra. Education, 1993. http://erl.canberra.edu.au./public/adt-AUC20061110.132233.
Full textAbstract:
This study investigates morale as perceived by primary
school teachers. A survey was administered to level 1
teachers in A.C.T. government schools. Of the 280
surveys distributed 165 returns were able to be
processed, a 59% response rate.
Teacher morale has an effect on the quality of teaching
and hence student outcomes and is currently an
important aspect of the education debate. Teacher
stress, a product of low morale, has been of concern to
teacher unions and to education departments across
Australia.
Morale, for the purpose of this study, is defined as
a confident and forward looking state of mind relevant
to a shared and vital purpose.
The survey used in this study was a modified version of
Smith's Staff Morale Questionnaire. This instrument
identifies three factors of morale : "Cohesive Pride",
"Leadership Synergy", "Personal Challenge". Responses
relating to these factors were analysed with respect
to age, gender, years of experience, school in which
the teacher is employed and type of teaching duties.
Results indicated that school attended has an influence
on the level of "leadership synergy" and gender has an
influence on the level of "personal challenge".
This research may have implications for school
leadership and professional development programs and
policy.
2
Wilde, Lee Ellen, and n/a. "The concept of excellence in education in ACT primary schools." University of Canberra. Education, 1992. http://erl.canberra.edu.au./public/adt-AUC20050527.143328.
Full textAbstract:
From a philosophical and historical analysis of education in Australia since World
War II and consideration of the research into school effectiveness and community
expectations of education, a concept of "excellence" was derived: "Excellence in
education" in its various institutionalised forms describes a state where there is a
community perception that worthwhile goals have been formulated, attempts are
made to achieve those goals using appropriately defined processes and that those
goals are being achieved to the satisfaction of community members.
It was also asserted that because of the diversity introduced into Australian society by
sociocultural, economic and political developments since World War II, "excellence
in education" may take many forms. This demands diversity in schooling so that
these different forms of excellence may be achieved. This "excellence" was seen to
be a relative concept rather than an absolute one.
Information was collected from six primary schools from both the government and
non-govenunent sectors of the ACT, using swey instruments, interviews and
document analysis. This information related to the perceptions of the family, staff
and student sectors of these schools about the importance and achievement of various
factors in the areas of goals and philosophy, curriculum, teaching and learning
practices, general organisation and school atmosphere.
The study found that, while these schools, all being concerned with the education of
primary school children in the same local and national context, exhibited certain
common elements, they also demonstrated a variety of other features in a variety of
combinations, giving each school a distinctive profile. Moreover, these school
communities each judged their particular school being "Excellent" and "meeting expectations", and yet were accepting of some discrepancy between what they considered ideal and what was actually achieved.
Thus it was shown that excellence in education is a relative concept in the ACT, if not
in contemporary Australian society as a whole.
3
Yeo, Frances Jacqueline, and n/a. "An exploratory study of student referrals in ACT primary schools." University of Canberra. Education, 1990. http://erl.canberra.edu.au./public/adt-AUC20061112.110051.
Full textAbstract:
The purpose of the study was to identify the reasons stated by ACT
primary school teachers for referral of students for specialist
assistance, and the type of specialist assistance given to referred
students.
The study also compared student referrals in Resource Teacher and
Non-Resource Teacher Schools, and examined what patterns were
reflected in this sample of primary school student referrals.
This study had two sections; an examination of: 1) primary school
student referrals and 2) primary school teacher attitudes towards
learning difficulties and behavioural difficulties children. The
identification of courses undertaken by teachers which were helpful
in teaching students with learning and behavioural difficulties were
also compared to teacher attitudes. These results were compared
with those of Bourke (1985), a previous study of ACT teacher
attitudes towards learning difficulties students.
The study confirmed findings within the literature review that
classroom teachers were the major source of student referrals for
specialist services and that two important student variables
impacted upon referral. The student variables, student gender and
behaviour were found to have a significant effect upon referral.
Boys were referred more often in both samples of schools with girls
more likely to be referred in Resource Teacher Schools. Referred
students were more likely to have no reported behaviour problems
in Resource Teacher Schools.
There were differences in the patterns of referral in Resource and
Non-Resource Teacher Schools, ie service response to referral,
parents' role and attitudes of teachers.
4
Williamson, Janet, and n/a. "Teachers and the use of computers in four ACT non-government primary schools." University of Canberra. Education, 1994. http://erl.canberra.edu.au./public/adt-AUC20050816.150827.
Full textAbstract:
The case studies carried out in four non-government
primary schools in the ACT aimed to look at the way
teachers were using computers in classrooms in order to
shed light on the factors which may determine how
teachers chose to use computers to enhance learning. The
case study method allowed the researcher to use
triangulation to provide in-depth information about the
processes involved in the delivery of a lesson using a
computer.
The findings were positive in that more than half of the
teachers were found to be using computers at a high level
of adoption, predominantly running simulation programs.
In most schools, this was in spite of either hardware or
software constraints, inadequate professional development
opportunities or administrative obstacles. Whether the
teachers taught in a laboratory or had one computer in
the classroom did not seem to retard their enthusiasm for
finding the best strategies to effectively integrate
computer use.
Cooperative learning strategies had been adopted by most
of the teachers so their transition to computer use was
made easier since their students had already been
'routinised'.The data also pointed to formal Computer Education as a
possible determinant of a high level computer user.
However, research on a wider scale would be needed to
validate the result.
Differences in the way classes were managed in a onecomputer
classroom and a laboratory were evident.
Teachers spent most time with those students working away
from the computer in the one-computer classroom and most
time with those working at the computer in the laboratory
setting. Methods of evaluation were shown to be
necessarily different depending on whether work was
carried out in a laboratory or a one-computer classroom.
Finally, the study pointed to the need for non-government
schools and system managers to begin long-term planning
for hardware and software purchase and resource
management in order to provide teachers with the tools
needed to integrate computer use effectively. Such
planning would need to include provision for professional
development.
5
Sloane, Alwyn M., and n/a. "Influences on teachers' discipline in the primary school." University of Canberra. Education, 1987. http://erl.canberra.edu.au./public/adt-AUC20061108.162433.
Full textAbstract:
The study described in this report attempted to investigate the area of classroom discipline in the primary
school. In particular the objectives were to ascertain the
factors which influences teachers' knowledge of discipline
procedures and the factors which influence teachers'
implementation of discipline procedures.
The study first examined discipline policies and
practices in Australian schools generally and in Australian
Capital Territory government schools in particular. A review
of the literature indicated that the area of discipline in
the classroom is one which seems to be increasingly
important in the range of presage variables under
investigation by researchers.
Information was obtained from sixty completed
questionnaires from primary teachers in eight primary
schools. Respondents indicated that they taught over the
full range of primary school years/grades. Results suggested
that senior management in the schools appeared to have a
relatively unimportant role in influencing classroom
teachers' discipline programmes.
The results indicated that the in-school influences
which were perceived as the most influential on both
teachers' knowledge of discipline procedures and on
teachers' current discipline procedures were a) those
connected with pupils and b) factors about the personal
preference of teachers.
The out-of-school influences which were perceived as
the most influential on both teachers' knowledge of
discipline and on teachers' current discipline procedures
were a) those connected with professional development and b)
factors about the intuitions and reactions of teachers.
Results in general suggested that some primary
teachers may be depending or) outdated information regarding
school and classroom discipline programmes. These findings
could have important ramifications for teacher training
agencies regarding the allocation of resources to the area
of school discipline programmes.
6
Phahlamohlaka, Teuns. "Challenges of inclusive education in multicultural public primary schools." Diss., University of Pretoria, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/60972.
Full textAbstract:
After the ushering of the democratic dispensation in 1994 an increased diversity in the society and schools of South Africa resulted from the policies and legislations adopted to integrate the earlier ethnically divided educated system. This democratic dispensation did not only bring about political change, but also aimed at democratising the education system and eradicating the inequalities of the past. This is in line with the constitution of South Africa which provides all children, young people and adults with human rights and education benefits.
The South African public schools' educators are tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that all learners with different educational needs are taught in a regular classroom. Providing teaching to multicultural classes requires positive experiences and support of inclusive schooling. The purpose of the study is to establish the challenges of teaching inclusive education in a multicultural class in the Gauteng Province public primary schools. This study used a qualitative research approach where participants were interviewed using one-on-one semi structured interviews and probes for clarity and depth. Data was analyzed inductively so as to use the results of the analysis as basis for subsequent data collection through follow up interviews.
Ten (10) post level one educators from five multicultural primary schools managing challenges of inclusive education (Foundation Phase and Intermediate Phase) were purposively sampled. Official documents like the White Paper 6 (2001) on the rights of learners with educational needs, and the South African Schools Act (1996) were analyzed to get information on how educators should go about teaching inclusive education to multicultural classes. The findings of the study will contribute to the knowledge base on the management of challenges of inclusive education in multicultural public primary schools about the support structures required and may also inform policy makers.Dissertation (MEd)--University of Pretoria, 2017.
Education Management and Policy Studies
MEd
Unrestricted
7
Dixon, Dalma, and n/a. "Continuous enrolment policy : a study of transition from preschool to primary school in the ACT." University of Canberra. Education, 1987. http://erl.canberra.edu.au./public/adt-AUC20060705.094737.
Full textAbstract:
Since its inception the A.C.T. Schools Authority has
implemented a number of changes in attempts to meet its
aim to provide high quality programmes for children.
In the case of enrolment policy the decision to change
to continuous enrolment was made in many schools less on
educational grounds than as a result of economic and
political pressures. However, any policy which has an
impact on children's learning in schools must be
examined in the light of its educational implications.
This study attempts to do this. It attempts to assess
the policy on educational grounds with a particular
focus on the programmes offered to individual children
and the day to day problems encountered by teachers who
attempt to implement the policy.
8
York, Daryl. "In what ways do primary and secondary schools act to internationalize their institutional ethos?" Thesis, University of Bath, 2016. https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.707580.
Full textAbstract:
This research into school identity studies school agency by focusing on how schools act to self-determine an aspirational international identity. Aspirational identity is conceptualized in Bourdieusian terms as intentional position-taking in the face of constraints, both external – field competition for capital resources – and internal - a subject’s habitus (which, for schools, necessitates critical evaluation of the putative notion of institutional habitus). Schools fundamentally distinct from many organizations in that a school’s identity subsumes a role in the determination of the identity of its students, may construe and pursue the realization of an element to their school identity that is international. Schools may do this by creating an international ethos, in order to internationalize student identity. In this study, to analyse ethos- and identity-internationalizing initiatives in a sufficiently broad, unifying manner, applicable to any type of school, use is made of Bernstein’s notion of the pedagogization of knowledge to inspire an analytical framework developed from the Pedagogic Device. Data from interviews with school leaders in 15 schools in 10 countries, showed ethos internationalizing initiatives to be divisible into three classes: firstly, initiatives pertaining to the medium by which knowledge is transmitted, particularly the language of instruction and the nationality mix of students and teachers; secondly, the knowledge transmitted to students may be deemed to be more or less international in content; thirdly, the knowledge to be transmitted may be prepared for transmission to students in ways that are more or less international by the process that Bernstein calls recontextualization. A potent means of internationalizing school identity and thus ethos was seen to be (international) recontextualization of knowledge by schools themselves, sometimes but not always in conjunction with an external agency. It was found that schools, irrespective of the composition by nationality of their student body, according to varying degrees of agency they display to construe and pursue an international identity for themselves and students, may be classified according to three ‘ideal types’: international identity creators; international identity assemblers; or international identity strengtheners. Some of the international identity strengtheners are shown to exhibit positive habitus to aspire to international identity as they stake more advantageous field positions by operating simultaneously in both national and transnational fields.
9
Kwapong, Abeena. "How might the Twi language act as mediator of learning in primary schools in Ghana?" Thesis, Goldsmiths College (University of London), 2010. http://eprints.gold.ac.uk/6500/.
Full text
10
Dwyer, Michael, and n/a. "Discipline policies and practices in the primary school." University of Canberra. Education, 1988. http://erl.canberra.edu.au./public/adt-AUC20060706.162852.
Full textAbstract:
The study attempts to investigate discipline policies
and practices in primary schools since the abolition of
corporal punishment. The purposes of the study were to
find out who is involved in the formulation of a
policy; how this procedure takes place from the
initial stages to fruition; the contents of a
completed policy document and to canvass opinions of
teachers and students about their school policy.
Information was obtained from twenty-two completed
questionnaires received from public primary schools in
the Belconnen region of the ACT and a more detailed
case study of three of these schools.
A search of the literature revealed a number of key
elements of a whole school discipline policy. These
included: formulation of policy; recognition of
appropriate student behaviour; rules and consequences;
policy procedures; responsibility for policy
implementation; the abolition of corporal punishment.
The study showed that there is a growing awareness of
the democratic decision-making process within
classrooms and that schools are producing comprehensive
discipline policies, many of which are now more
accurately titled 'Management of Student Behaviour'.
Schools are encouraging appropriate behaviour from the
students, endeavouring to develop student
self-discipline and self-esteem, and are using agreed
logical consequences when rule violations occur.
The case study concludes with comments on the ACT
Schools Authority Discussion Paper 'Policy and
Procedures for the Management of Student Behaviour in
ACT Public Schools' issued during 1988.
11
Bourke, Margaret, and n/a. "An exploratory study of children with learning difficulties in mainstream classes in ACT primary schools." University of Canberra. Education, 1985. http://erl.canberra.edu.au./public/adt-AUC20060609.143034.
Full textAbstract:
There were four aims identified for the study. Firstly,
to become familiar with current research concerning
children with learning difficulties in mainstream classes
in primary schools. Secondly, to ascertain teachers'
attitudes towards, and experience of, these children.
Thirdly, to interview a sample of children identified by
their teachers as performing in all academic areas at
least 18 months behind the rest of the class. The purpose
of the interview was to examine how they perceived their
performance in reading and mathematics compared with the
rest of the class, and to investigate their self-concepts.
The final aim was to gain an understanding of the nature
of the interaction between teachers and children with
learning difficulties by observing a small sample of
them, and a Control group, in class.
Field work was conducted in three A.C.T. primary
schools in 1984-85. The field work was divided into three
stages. In Stage 1 a sample of 30 teachers volunteered to
complete a questionnaire. In Stage 2 a sample of 30
children identified by their teachers as having learning
difficulties was interviewed. In Stage 3, 6 of the
previously identified children and 6 Control children
were observed in class.
Whilst the findings of these 3 stages of field work
can only be presented tentatively due to the small sample
sizes involved, there were some findings worthy of
comment. For example, many teachers indicated a lack
of pre-service training, or even in-service course attendance
which could have provided a background to teaching
children with learning difficulties.
The childrens' responses indicated that their perception
of their performance in reading compared with their
peers was that they were "enot as good as the rest of the
class."e However, for mathematics their perception was
that their performance was more in the middle of the
class. As a group their self-concept was low, as measured
on the Coopersmith Self Esteem Inventory. From the
observation it appeared that children with learning
difficulties were on-task as much as the Control children.
The teacher was twice as likely to interact with a child
with learning difficulties than with a Control child,
and the majority of these interactions were to impart
instructions.
12
Deeks, Graham. "Managing change in primary schools : impact and consequences in the post Education Reform Act period." Thesis, University of Oxford, 1996. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.321605.
Full text
13
Doszpot, Maureen, and n/a. "Developing culture of a new catholic primary school : vision building, shared values and beliefs." University of Canberra. Professional & Community Education, 1996. http://erl.canberra.edu.au./public/adt-AUC20060705.145541.
Full textAbstract:
This study examines the articulated vision of a new Catholic primary school in
order to describe and assess its developing organisational culture. The following
questions provide the major focus of the study: I How and to what extent does
the Vision Statement describe the developing Catholic school culture at St Clare of Assisi Primary School? 2. What are the common beliefs and values underlying
the Vision Statement at St Clare of Assisi Primary School?
A review of the literature reveals that many educational researchers stress the
importance of schools developing a strong, coordinated, cohesive and positive
culture. The need for this culture to be based on a clearly articulated vision,
embodying shared values and beliefs is also indicated and this provides the
rationale for the study.
A number of frameworks for school culture are examined and adapted to develop
a conceptual framework for the study. The resulting Model for Developing
Catholic School Culture provides a structure which enables collected data to be
sorted and analysed, so that the research questions can be addressed.
This study utilises the methodology of ethnographic research. Data collection
strategies include participant observation, interviews, surveys, and other sources
including school records and documents, photographs, artefacts and memorabilia.
The findings are organised under five headings, each of which represents a belief
articulated in the school's Vision Statement. These beliefs are examined to see
how they are enacted verbally, visually and behaviourally by the school
community Conclusions are drawn as to the relevance of the Vision Statement to
the school community Other significant values and beliefs evident from an
examination of the data are also identified
The study concludes that the Vision Statement effectively describes the developing
culture of the school for there is congruence between its beliefs and actions.
What emerges of particular significance from this study is the importance of a
school community articulating a shared vision. A school's Vision Statement serves
a dual purpose It is the filter which allows the shared beliefs and values of the
school community to be articulated, while at the same time serving as a scaffold
for checking if these shared beliefs and values are being enacted by the
community.
14
Mulraney, Rosemary Anne, and n/a. "Community and teacher attitudes toward special educational provisions for gifted students in A.C.T. primary schools." University of Canberra. Education, 1986. http://erl.canberra.edu.au./public/adt-AUC20061026.130846.
Full textAbstract:
This decade has seen an increasing awareness by
the Commonwealth Schools Commission, the ACT Schools
Authority, educators and members of the community of
students who are gifted in a diversity of areas.
A number of programs designed to meet the special
needs of gifted students have been developed in some
primary schools in the A.C.T. and it is timely that
the attitudes of principals, teachers and parents were
assessed.
To assess the attitudes of the three populations
(principals, teachers and parents) toward general
attitudes about gifted students, key aspects of planning
and organisation of gifted programs, classroom teachers
and their knowledge and need of assistance in gifted
education; and to explore whether the three populations
held different attitudes toward gifted students and the
provision of specific programs to meet their special
needs, the Field Study candidate developed and
administered a questionnaire to members of the A.C.T.
Association for Gifted and Talented Children, together
with principals, teachers and parents in nineprimary
schools in the A.C.T.
The results of the questionnaire indicated that
all three groups agreed with the proposition that every
child was entitled to an educational program that would
assist the child to develop to his / her fullest
potential. Appropriate extension programs should be run
for gifted students in the local primary school, with the
involvement of the resource teacher and the assistance
of personnel and locations outside of the local school
when it was appropriate.
Some reservations were expressed toward the level
of parent participation in the identification procedure,
program planning and program evaluation, and classroom
teachers were seen to require assistance in the areas
of identification, program planning and the evaluation
of programs designed to meet the special needs of
gifted students.
The Field Study concludes that local A.C.T.
primary schools could meet the special needs of gifted
students. This could be achieved by principals, teachers
and members of the School Board developing and
implementing special educational programs by utilising
Special Project funding, additional staff and
professional development opportunities which are
currently available in limited amounts through the
ACT Schools Authority and the Commonwealth Schools
Commission.
15
Sutcliffe, Sarah, and n/a. "An investigation into the most significant influences on the way beginning teachers incorporate music into their primary classrooms." University of Canberra. Education, 1992. http://erl.canberra.edu.au./public/adt-AUC20061109.113339.
Full textAbstract:
The aim of this study was to identify the significant influences that effect the
way beginning teachers in the A.C.T. incorporate music into their primary
classrooms.
Twenty-eight teachers from 23 different schools were interviewed in this
study. These teachers were chosen on the basis that they were beginning
teachers (teachers who were in their first, second or third year of teaching)
and had graduated from the University of Canberra from 1988 to 1990. The
teachers were interviewed over a 7 week period in Term 4 of 1990. The
interview schedule incorporated aspects of a questionnaire and an interview
employing both closed and open-ended questions.
The study found that although 71% of the teachers taught some music in
their classrooms, no teacher actually taught the whole music curriculum (as
defined by the A.C.T. Curriculum Guidelines, 1990). Singing, listening and
moving were taught by most teachers but areas of the music curriculum
such as playing, reading and writing, improvisation and composition were
rarely included. These results were influenced by factors such as the musical
background of the teachers, preservice courses, the school music curriculum,
whether or not teacher's colleagues taught music and the school's
utilisation of the music specialist. For example, teachers who taught music
were more likely to come from a school that had a music curriculum rather
than from a school that did not.
This study has implications for the development and implementation of
primary school music curricula, the reassessment of future preservice and
inservice programs, the utilisation of human resources within primary
schools and the development of more positive attitudes towards music in
schools and society in general.
16
Glyde, Jo, and n/a. "Beyond baby sitting : a study of after school care services in the ACT from the perspective of care providers." University of Canberra. Teacher Education, 1997. http://erl.canberra.edu.au./public/adt-AUC20060712.100543.
Full textAbstract:
The increased demand for Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) has been linked to changes
that have occurred in the family structure and work habits. OSHC programs operating
on school sites under the management of a committee of parents and school
representatives provide parents with one option to meet the needs for care of primary age
children.
This study examined the issue of OSHC from the perspectives of workers involved in the
provision of services in government school sites in the ACT. Data were gathered by way
of semi-structured interviews with nineteen coordinators from sixteen After School Care
(ASC) centres. The data were analysed to find similarities in the experiences of workers
interviewed. Extracts from the interviews are presented in the findings to illustrate the
perceptions care givers have about their work and areas where changes can be made to
improve the quality of ASC services.
The study provides information on the factors affecting the provision of quality services
and suggests possible directions for future planning and research in this area. The
findings indicate that the care givers interviewed perceived their role as a positive
influence in the lives of children and families. Care givers sought to provide relaxed
environments for children after the school day. Many centres operated with the strong
support of parents, schools and management committees. The findings suggest that ASC
centres can and do operate successfully on school sites in the ACT and that care givers
were generally happy with the level of service provided. However, variability in the
facilities and support provided to centres was noted.
The study concludes that real improvement to the quality of programs and support of
workers is dependent on the introduction of nationally recognised standards in the
provision of ASC.
17
Hawkins, Clive Richard, and n/a. "The primary principalship in the Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory : a study of the changing role and procedures for promotion to the position." University of Canberra. Education, 1991. http://erl.canberra.edu.au./public/adt-AUC20060720.142102.
Full textAbstract:
This study researched two major aspects of the primary school principalship in the
Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory viz., (1) How current trends in
educational governance have affected the role of the principal, and (2) Assessment and
selection procedures used for promotion to the principalship in the present educational
environment.
The context of the study has been outlined by presenting a brief historical and
organisational overview of public education in both Territories, along with an
examination of the literature on recent trends and issues in educational governance and
promotion procedures.
The research methodology used to examine the questions posed in this study is
qualitative or descriptive in nature. The data was collected through the use of a semistructured
interview technique and represents the ideas, opinions and perceptions of a
specially targeted group of principals and aspiring principals from both education
systems.
The findings demonstrated that many aspects of the role of the primary principalship in
the N.T. and A.C.T. are changing, due to a new set of values in educational policymaking
and increased political control. There was a high degree of similarity between
respondents in each Territory in regard to how the role is being reshaped.
It was also found that the level of support provided by both systems to assist principals
in coping with the changes has been inadequate and that the changes have led to a
degree of conflict and new job-related pressures for most primary school principals.
It was concluded that assessment and selection procedures should be rigorous and
demanding, commensurate with the significance of the position. In this regard both
educational systems need to improve present procedures by addressing perceived
weaknesses. To this end assessment centres may have a role to play.
Finally, further implications of the conclusions are addressed in terms of the necessity
for thorough preparation and training of aspirants to the principalship to enhance their
chance of selection and help them cope with the new expectations and demands of the
position. This responsibility should be shared between the aspirant, professional
associations and the employing education department.
18
Ajam, Mogamed. "The raison d'etre of the Muslim mission primary school in Cape Town and environs from 1860 to 1980 with special reference to the role of Dr A. Abdurahman in the modernisation of Islam-oriented schools." University of the Western Cape, 1986. http://hdl.handle.net/11394/8356.
Full textAbstract:
Philosophiae Doctor - PhDThis d~ssertation concerns the modernisation of Islam-oriented schooling in Cape Town and environs whereby Muslim Mission Primary Schools emerge as a socio-cultural compromise between community needs and State school provision policy. It proceeds from the recognition of the cultural diversity that has since the pioneering days characterised the social order of the Mother City. Two religious and cultural traditions have coexisted here in a superordinate and subordinate relationship; one developed a school system for domestication and cultural assimilation, and the other a covert instructional programme for an"alternative religious system and behaviour code. The thrust of the argument is that the Islamic community, developed on the periphery of society that excluded non-Christians, were in the main concerned with cultural transmission, first in the homes of Free Blacks during the Dutch regime, and later in the mosques that arose when religious freedom was obtained. Traditional schools for Islamic culture transmission were conducted by imams and tended to attract in large numbers the children of slaves and other non-white children causing concern among evangelists In 1863, a political understanding between the governments of Britain and Turkey resulted in Abu Bakr Effendi being assigned by the Sultan to conduct a school in Cape Town to effect some uniformity of Islamic instruction. A latent consequence of this Turkish funded school was the production of the first Afrikaans textbook on Islam, a step in the modernisation of cultural transmission. After Effendi's demise the school was discontinued. State education policy ensured that non-white children generally were educated only at State-funded Christian Mission schools. Most Muslim children received only Islamic instruction at the various madressahs (traditional schools) as a result. An increasingly rigid segregation of public schools oriented towards reproducing the superordinate-subordinate culture relationship resulted in a widening gap of literacy which was increasingly important for the economic and political dispensation. Concerned Muslims organised themselves to address the educational deficiency. The South African Moslem Association urged mOre educational opportunity but floundered before accomplishing anything noteworthy. Their importance lay in their making the Muslims more aware of the need to have a secular education in a changing social order. It was self-evident that education had to be seen in the political context: the weaker community was most likely to suffer the greatest lack of schools. Dr A. Abdurahman, foremost political figure of the first forty years of this century, took the first steps in establishing State-aided primary schools for Muslim children. Whatever success he had in this regard was entirely due to his personali ty and political acumen. In contrast to Abdurahman was the philanthropic effort of Hajee Sullaiman Shah Mohamed to build a school with an Islamic ethos. Why he failed is considered against the social historical background of the Cape Muslims and the communities' manifest needs. Politically, Abdurahman was in a better position and better equipped to address the problem. He served as manager of three Muslim primary schools, the development of which form a substantial part of this study. Abdurahman could harness the creative energies and resources of immigrant and indigenous Muslims in creating these schools. But the Cape Malay Association, disenchanted with Abdurahman's perceived partisanship, politically sought to advance Malay communal interests in the political patronage of the Afrikaner political faction in power. In terms of schooling policy they were to be disillusioned.
19
Hošťálková, Štěpánka. "Optimalizace základních škol." Master's thesis, Vysoká škola ekonomická v Praze, 2017. http://www.nusl.cz/ntk/nusl-359794.
Full textAbstract:
The main goal of this thesis is to describe the current situation of capacity of primary schools in the selected area of Prague and suggest optimization options. In the first part of my thesis the theoretical apparatus needed to understand the issue of education is presented. The main focus here is on the legislation related to the issue of education. The practical part of my thesis is based on the results of questionnaire survey focused on primary schools and additional e-mail survey focused on the founders of these schools. The public elementary schools established by the Prague 1 to Prague 10 municipalities were selected for the survey. On the basis of the information found, the practical part is closed by suggestions for solving the unsatisfactory situation both from the viewpoint of individual primary schools and from the point of view of their founders.
20
Lassila, J. (Juhani). "Lapin koulutushistoria - Kirkollinen alkuopetus, kansa-, perus- ja oppikoulut, osa 2." Doctoral thesis, University of Oulu, 2001. http://urn.fi/urn:isbn:9514264630.
Full textAbstract:
Abstract The purpose of this research is to examine the history of elementary schools held by the Church as well as the history of primary schools, comprehensive schools and secondary schools in various municipalities in Lapland up to the end of school year 1998-99. This is a basic research. The examination proceeds from the founding of the first educational institution of each school type. The first itinerant catechists of Finland began teaching in Utsjoki in 1751. The first primary school was founded in Rovaniemi in 1870. Lapland changed over to comprehensive school system in 1972. The Tornio Pedagogium was granted founding permit in 1630. The schools held by the Church were either permanent or itinerant. The importance of permanent schools was insignificant in Lapland. Itinerant school system consisted of two categories; catechist schools and itinerant schools. Their educational aims were uniform. Catechists received their salary from the state whereas itinerant schools were maintained mainly by parishes. Catechist schools were founded only in the parishes of Northern and Eastern Lapland. In other parishes instruction was given by itinerant schools. Even in the beginning of the 1920's the amount of school-aged children in Lapland was higher in itinerant schools than in primary ones. The last catechist school was closed in Inari in 1954. The history of the primary school and comprehensive school can be divided into four periods. The starting point was the year 1866 when the Regulation on Primary Schools was issued. This first period came to an end in 1898 when each municipality of Lapland became obliged to divide its area into school districts. The Regulation on Primary Schools didn't oblige rural municipalities to found schools but made it possible for them. In school year 1897-98 only 24 schools gave instruction in Lapland. The obligation to form school districts brought schools even to the biggest villages in peripheral areas. In school year 1920-21 there were 96 schools in Lapland. The Compulsory Education Act was issued in 1921. The inhabitants of Lapland were active and hence in the autumn 1929 there were already 205 primary schools. The years subsequent to the war meant rapid progress in society with the result that more than 160 new primary schools were founded in Lapland. In school year 1957-58 the amount of schools was at its highest, 425. The fourth period in the history of the primary school and comprehensive school comprises the school years 1958-99. At that time the Primary Schools Act and Comprehensive Schools Act were in force. In the 1960's Finland and first of all Lapland were met by a severe crisis. Until now the increase of population had been strong. Now, however, it began to decrease. The inhabitants of peripheral areas began migrating to towns, Southern Finland and Sweden. In 1974-75 the amount of lower levels of the comprehensive school was no more than 313. The situation improved to some extent for 15 years due to the measures taken by the state. Consequently, in 1989-90 there were still 281 schools. In the 1990's Finland was shaken up by depression. In Lapland, then, unemployment increased, which resulted in migration. In autumn 1998 there were 200 lower levels of the comprehensive school. The only secondary school in Lapland was for a long time in Tornio. The next secondary school was founded in the town of Kemi in 1897. In autumn 1939 there were three educational institutions in Lapland enabling the students to continue their studies at university. After the war, especially in the 1960's, plenty of secondary schools were founded in LaplandTiivistelmä Tavoitteenani on selvittää Lapin kirkollisten alkuopetuskoulujen sekä kansa-, perus- ja oppikoulujen historiaa kuntakohtaisesti lukuvuoden 1998-99 loppuun saakka. Kyseessä on perustutkimus. Tarkastelu alkaa kunkin koulumuodon ensimmäisen oppilaitoksen käynnistymisestä. Vuoden 1750 tienoilla aloittivat Utsjoella Suomen ensimmäiset kiertävät katekeetat opetustyönsä. Ensimmäinen kansakoulu avattiin Rovaniemellä 1870. Lappi siirtyi peruskoulujärjestelmään 1972. Tornion pedagogio sai perustamisluvan 1630. Kirkolliset koulut olivat kiinteitä tai kiertäviä. Kiinteiden koulujen merkitys Lapissa oli vähäinen. Kiertävät koulut ryhmitellään katekeetta- ja kiertokouluiksi. Niiden opetustavoitteet olivat yhteneväiset. Katekeettojen palkat maksoi valtio. Kiertokoulujen toiminnan rahoittivat lähinnä seurakunnat. Katekeettakouluja perustettiin vain Pohjois- ja Itä-Lapin seurakuntiin. Muissa seurakunnissa opetuksesta vastasivat kiertokoulut. Lapin kiertävissä kouluissa oli vielä 1920-luvun alussa enemmän kouluikäisiä kuin kansakouluissa. Viimeinen katekeettakoulu suljettiin Inarissa 1954. Kansa- ja peruskoulujen toiminta-aika jakaantuu luontevasti neljään jaksoon. Lähtöpiste on kansakouluasetuksen syntymävuosi 1866, ja ensimmäinen etappi päättyy 1898 piirijakoasetuksen antamiseen. Kansakouluasetus ei määrännyt maalaiskuntia perustamaan kansakouluja, mutta teki sen mahdolliseksi. Lukuvuonna 1897-98 oli Lapissa vain 24 koulua. Piirijakoasetus toi kouluja myös suurimpiin sivukyliin. Lukuvuonna 1920-21 kouluja oli 96. Oppivelvollisuuslaki annettiin 1921. Lapin asukkaat olivat aktiivisia, ja syksyllä 1929 kansakouluja oli jo 205. Väkevästi elettyinä sodanjälkeisinä vuosina Lapissa käynnistettiin vielä yli 160 uutta kansakoulua. Lukuvuonna 1957-58 kouluja oli ennätysmäärä 425. Neljäs tarkastelukausi käsittää lukuvuodet 1958-99, jolloin kansa- ja peruskoululait olivat voimassa. Suomea ja ennenkaikkea Lappia kohtasi 1960-luvulla suuri murros. Väestön voimakas kasvu pysähtyi kääntyen laskuun. Muuttoliike suuntautui maatalouskylistä kaupunkeihin, Etelä-Suomeen ja Ruotsiin. Ala-asteita oli 1974-75 enää 313. Valtion toimenpitein tilanne tasoittui 15 vuodeksi, ja kouluja oli 1989-90 vielä 281. Lama ravisteli 1990-luvulla Suomea. Lapissakin työttömyys kasvoi aiheuttaen poismuuttoaallon. Syksyllä 1998 ala-asteita oli 200. Torniossa oli pitkään Lapin ainoa oppikoulu. Kemistä tuli oppikoulukaupunki 1897. Syksyllä 1939 oli Lapissa kolme yliopistoon johtavaa oppilaitosta. Sodan jälkeen, erityisesti 1960-luvulla, perustettiin Lappiin runsaasti oppikouluja
21
Lassila, J. (Juhani). "Lapin koulutushistoria - Kirkollinen alkuopetus, kansa-, perus- ja oppikoulut, osa 1." Doctoral thesis, University of Oulu, 2001. http://urn.fi/urn:isbn:9514264541.
Full textAbstract:
Abstract The purpose of this research is to examine the history of elementary schools held by the Church as well as the history of primary schools, comprehensive schools and secondary schools in various municipalities in Lapland up to the end of school year 1998-99. This is a basic research. The examination proceeds from the founding of the first educational institution of each school type. The first itinerant catechists of Finland began teaching in Utsjoki in 1751. The first primary school was founded in Rovaniemi in 1870. Lapland changed over to comprehensive school system in 1972. The Tornio Pedagogium was granted founding permit in 1630. The schools held by the Church were either permanent or itinerant. The importance of permanent schools was insignificant in Lapland. Itinerant school system consisted of two categories; catechist schools and itinerant schools. Their educational aims were uniform. Catechists received their salary from the state whereas itinerant schools were maintained mainly by parishes. Catechist schools were founded only in the parishes of Northern and Eastern Lapland. In other parishes instruction was given by itinerant schools. Even in the beginning of the 1920's the amount of school-aged children in Lapland was higher in itinerant schools than in primary ones. The last catechist school was closed in Inari in 1954. The history of the primary school and comprehensive school can be divided into four periods. The starting point was the year 1866 when the Regulation on Primary Schools was issued. This first period came to an end in 1898 when each municipality of Lapland became obliged to divide its area into school districts. The Regulation on Primary Schools didn't oblige rural municipalities to found schools but made it possible for them. In school year 1897-98 only 24 schools gave instruction in Lapland. The obligation to form school districts brought schools even to the biggest villages in peripheral areas. In school year 1920-21 there were 96 schools in Lapland. The Compulsory Education Act was issued in 1921. The inhabitants of Lapland were active and hence in the autumn 1929 there were already 205 primary schools. The years subsequent to the war meant rapid progress in society with the result that more than 160 new primary schools were founded in Lapland. In school year 1957-58 the amount of schools was at its highest, 425. The fourth period in the history of the primary school and comprehensive school comprises the school years 1958-99. At that time the Primary Schools Act and Comprehensive Schools Act were in force. In the 1960's Finland and first of all Lapland were met by a severe crisis. Until now the increase of population had been strong. Now, however, it began to decrease. The inhabitants of peripheral areas began migrating to towns, Southern Finland and Sweden. In 1974-75 the amount of lower levels of the comprehensive school was no more than 313. The situation improved to some extent for 15 years due to the measures taken by the state. Consequently, in 1989-90 there were still 281 schools. In the 1990's Finland was shaken up by depression. In Lapland, then, unemployment increased, which resulted in migration. In autumn 1998 there were 200 lower levels of the comprehensive school. The only secondary school in Lapland was for a long time in Tornio. The next secondary school was founded in the town of Kemi in 1897. In autumn 1939 there were three educational institutions in Lapland enabling the students to continue their studies at university. After the war, especially in the 1960's, plenty of secondary schools were founded in LaplandTiivistelmä Tavoitteenani on selvittää Lapin kirkollisten alkuopetuskoulujen sekä kansa-, perus- ja oppikoulujen historiaa kuntakohtaisesti lukuvuoden 1998-99 loppuun saakka. Kyseessä on perustutkimus. Tarkastelu alkaa kunkin koulumuodon ensimmäisen oppilaitoksen käynnistymisestä. Vuoden 1750 tienoilla aloittivat Utsjoella Suomen ensimmäiset kiertävät katekeetat opetustyönsä. Ensimmäinen kansakoulu avattiin Rovaniemellä 1870. Lappi siirtyi peruskoulujärjestelmään 1972. Tornion pedagogio sai perustamisluvan 1630. Kirkolliset koulut olivat kiinteitä tai kiertäviä. Kiinteiden koulujen merkitys Lapissa oli vähäinen. Kiertävät koulut ryhmitellään katekeetta- ja kiertokouluiksi. Niiden opetustavoitteet olivat yhteneväiset. Katekeettojen palkat maksoi valtio. Kiertokoulujen toiminnan rahoittivat lähinnä seurakunnat. Katekeettakouluja perustettiin vain Pohjois- ja Itä-Lapin seurakuntiin. Muissa seurakunnissa opetuksesta vastasivat kiertokoulut. Lapin kiertävissä kouluissa oli vielä 1920-luvun alussa enemmän kouluikäisiä kuin kansakouluissa. Viimeinen katekeettakoulu suljettiin Inarissa 1954. Kansa- ja peruskoulujen toiminta-aika jakaantuu luontevasti neljään jaksoon. Lähtöpiste on kansakouluasetuksen syntymävuosi 1866, ja ensimmäinen etappi päättyy 1898 piirijakoasetuksen antamiseen. Kansakouluasetus ei määrännyt maalaiskuntia perustamaan kansakouluja, mutta teki sen mahdolliseksi. Lukuvuonna 1897-98 oli Lapissa vain 24 koulua. Piirijakoasetus toi kouluja myös suurimpiin sivukyliin. Lukuvuonna 1920-21 kouluja oli 96. Oppivelvollisuuslaki annettiin 1921. Lapin asukkaat olivat aktiivisia, ja syksyllä 1929 kansakouluja oli jo 205. Väkevästi elettyinä sodanjälkeisinä vuosina Lapissa käynnistettiin vielä yli 160 uutta kansakoulua. Lukuvuonna 1957-58 kouluja oli ennätysmäärä 425. Neljäs tarkastelukausi käsittää lukuvuodet 1958-99, jolloin kansa- ja peruskoululait olivat voimassa. Suomea ja ennenkaikkea Lappia kohtasi 1960-luvulla suuri murros. Väestön voimakas kasvu pysähtyi kääntyen laskuun. Muuttoliike suuntautui maatalouskylistä kaupunkeihin, Etelä-Suomeen ja Ruotsiin. Ala-asteita oli 1974-75 enää 313. Valtion toimenpitein tilanne tasoittui 15 vuodeksi, ja kouluja oli 1989-90 vielä 281. Lama ravisteli 1990-luvulla Suomea. Lapissakin työttömyys kasvoi aiheuttaen poismuuttoaallon. Syksyllä 1998 ala-asteita oli 200. Torniossa oli pitkään Lapin ainoa oppikoulu. Kemistä tuli oppikoulukaupunki 1897. Syksyllä 1939 oli Lapissa kolme yliopistoon johtavaa oppilaitosta. Sodan jälkeen, erityisesti 1960-luvulla, perustettiin Lappiin runsaasti oppikouluja
22
O'Mahony, Gary Raymond McColl, and mikewood@deakin edu au. "Learning the role: Through the eyes of beginning principals." Deakin University. School of Scientific and Developmental Studies, 2002. http://tux.lib.deakin.edu.au./adt-VDU/public/adt-VDU20051017.120428.
Full textAbstract:
This study examines how first year principals learn their roles and provides the picture through their eyes. As there is no formal preparation requirement to become a principal in Victorian government schools, new principals must seek out and direct their own learning for the role. The study describes the informal and formal sources of learning that are sought by beginning principals to help them learn about their new role. The focus is on identifying what sources of learning were used through different phases of the study and how some became more critical than others in shaping and developing the role of a principal in the school.
This thesis is a story of continuous professional socialization and learning of a group of seven beginning principals using case studies and interviews over four phases of learning in their first year in the role as they proceed from appointment, entry, establishment through to consolidation of the role.
The process of socialization underpins the study and is conceived as a process of learning in which the participants actively direct and participate in their own socialization. However, greater emphasis is placed on the developing nature and reliance on learning in role development. Previous studies of professional socialization of beginning principals have identified licensure programs as significant in the preparation and ongoing development process, whereas this is not the case in Victoria where no such requirements exist. This study adds to existing studies through the finding that there are similarities in the stages of professional socialization process in the Australian context, but also explores new aspects about professional learning by identifying various phases and sources of learning for Victorian principals. These ranged from dependence upon an apprenticeship arrangement, through self-directed task learning, to that of becoming an independent learner within a professional community of equals. Some of the themes identified and explored in this study included examining phases of learning, sources of learning, and their effect on role development.
The study was initially based on identifying and exploring some of the key issues and the significance of learning experiences suggested by the beginning principals rather than researching predetermined hypotheses. This grounded and qualitative approach involved data collection over four different time phases in the first year in the role and allowed flexibility in the construction of case studies and the cumulative development of data through the study. The greater part of the data were collected through interviews in each of the four phases of the study along with the collection of survey data for comparison and contrast in the first and final study phases.
The research raises many issues that can serve as a basis for further exploration of the complexity of the role of learning within professional socialization for beginning principals. As well, it suggests a number of implications for the organization of professional learning and socialization in beginning principal socialization for the first year in the role.
23
Doolan, T. J., and n/a. "Observations of a regional education officer for catholic primary schools : implications for administrators." University of Canberra. Education, 1990. http://erl.canberra.edu.au./public/adt-AUC20060705.122459.
Full textAbstract:
The study's primary purpose was, through the recorded
observations of a Regional Education Officer (REO) working in Catholic
primary schools over eighteen months, to draw out implications for local
and central administrators for the maintenance and improvement of the
schools' quality. Of particular interest was the question that since the
schools were Catholic schools, would or should this make any
significant difference to these implications. A secondary purpose of the
study was the clarification and articulation for myself of what the main
elements of the REO role might best be in practice.
Analysis of diary entries and relevant Catholic Education Office
documents was based on the writer's fundamental assumption that the
merits of educational administrative decisions and actions should be
judged in relation to the benefit these are to teachers and their students.
The main conclusions of the study were:
i) that the recognition by administrators of the special qualities of
the personal and interpersonal relationships existing in schools would
assist administrators in maintaining and developing the schools'
quality;
ii) that the religious faith aspect of the ideals of a Catholic school
adds a deeper dimension to the special qualities of the personal and
interpersonal relationships which are common to schools;
iii) that such are the demands by staffs of schools for support and
assistance, that the only ones who can realistically meet the bulk of such
demands are staffs themselves, supporting and assisting each other
through some form of regular collegial system;
iv) that schools are more non-rational than rational
organizations, and hence an emphasis on bureaucratic administrative
processes will be detrimental to schools' effectiveness.
24
Corish, Sylvia, and n/a. "The excellent principal - what do students think? : Perceptions of selected senior primary school students about the role of the principal in three New South Wales public primary schools." University of Canberra. Education, 1991. http://erl.canberra.edu.au./public/adt-AUC20060629.160710.
Full textAbstract:
The research outlined in this thesis explores the issue of the
effective principal through the perceptions of a sample of senior
primary aged school students. The study originated due to a concern
that too much of the current literature concerning effective schools
and effective principals relies on the views of significant adults.
Given that students are the focus of the school's and principal's
energy it is difficult to understand why their views have not been
sought more frequently. This study was initiated and conducted in an
effort to determine what is was that students expected of the
effective principal.
The research is based on content analysis of the written responses
from a sample of one hundred and ninety five senior primary aged
school students aged between ten and twelve years from an
education district in an education region of the New South Wales
Public School System and in addition one to one interviews with a
group of thirty students. The analysis resulted in the development of
two sets of descriptors. One set of descriptors outline the fourteen
most significant Behaviour Descriptors of the effective principal as
perceived by the senior primary aged students surveyed while the
other set outlines the eleven most significant Quality Descriptors of
the effective principal.
These two sets of descriptors of the effective principal have much
support in the effective schools research. One area notably different
however is the emphasis given by the students to the need for the
principal to develop positive, warm and caring relationships with
each student in the school. Although students were realistic in their
understanding of what this implied they were adamant and
consistent in their desire for such a relationship in order that the
principal be deemed effective.
The results of the study provide specific, clear, unambiguous
descriptions of behaviours and qualities expected of the effective
principal by the students surveyed. The descriptors are presented in
a manner useful to practitioners.
25
Davies, Geraint. "Religious education and worship in the primary school : a study of headteachers' perceptions." Thesis, Bangor University, 2000. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.368764.
Full text
26
Collins, Graham J., and mikewood@deakin edu au. "Principalship and policy in small New Zealand primary schools." Deakin University. School of Social And Cultural Studies in Education, 2003. http://tux.lib.deakin.edu.au./adt-VDU/public/adt-VDU20050826.120007.
Full textAbstract:
This research investigates the relationship between principalship and policy in small New Zealand primary schools. A distinctive feature of small primary schools is that their principals typically have to teach as well as manage. Overseas research indicates that in times of educational reform, teaching principals face particular difficulty and may need special support. Following the watershed educational reforms of 1989 and a decade of hands-off policy in education (1989-1999), central policy towards school support in New Zealand is now more hands-on. The impact of this policy change on small schools has not been researched hi New Zealand, where such schools make up over fifty percent of all primary schools.
The aims of this study are to analyse the impact of current support policy in New Zealand on small primary school principalship, and to evaluate the extent to which policy adjustment might be needed in the future. Using multiple methods and a case study approach to gather data, the study focuses on small school principalship in one New Zealand region - the Central Districts region. It also considers the recent policy initiatives, their rationale and the extent to which they appear to be meeting the support needs reported by the principals whose work has been researched in the study.
Broadly, the study has found that within small schools, the role-balance within a teaching principals work is a critical factor, as the ratio within the principals role-balance between the teaching role and the management role creates variation in work-demands, work-strategies and types of support needed. Teaching principals in New Zealand generally feel better supported now than they did in the 1990s and the study identifies factors associated with this change. However the analysis in this study suggests that the current policy aim to both rationalise and strengthen the small school network as a whole is rather problematic. Without better targeted support policy in this area, old style parochial and competitive attitudes between schools are unlikely to change in the future.
27
Campbell, Coral, and mikewood@deakin edu au. "Science education in primary schools in a state of change." Deakin University, 2000. http://tux.lib.deakin.edu.au./adt-VDU/public/adt-VDU20050815.101333.
Full textAbstract:
Through a longitudinal study of one teacher's science teaching practice set in the context of her base school, this thesis records the effects of the structural and policy changes that have occurred in Victorian education over the past 6-7 years - the 'Kennett era'. Initially, the purpose of the study was to investigate the teacher's practice with the view to improving it. For this, an action research approach was adopted. Across the year 1998, the teacher undertook an innovative science program with two grades, documenting the approach and outcomes. Several other teachers were involved in the project and their personal observations and comments were to form part of the data. This research project was set in the context of a single primary school and case study methodology was used to document the broader situational and daily influences which affected the teacher's practice. It was apparent soon after starting the action research that there were factors which did not allow for the development of the project along the intended lines. By the end of the project, the teacher felt that the action research had been distorted - specifically there had been no opportunity for critical reflection. The collaborative nature of the project did not seem to work. The teacher started to wonder just what had gone wrong. It was only after a break from the school environment that the teacher-researcher had the opportunity to really reflect on what had been happening in her teaching practice. This reflection took into account the huge amount of data generated from the context of the school but essentially reflected on the massive number of changes that were occurring in all schools. Several issues began to emerge which directly affected teaching practice and determined whether teachers had the opportunity to be self-reflective. These issues were identified as changes in curriculum and the teaching role, increased workload, changed power relations and changed security/morale on the professional context.
This thesis investigates the structural and policy changes occurring in Victorian education by reference to documentation and the lived experiences of teachers. It studies how the emerging issues affect the practices of teachers, particularly the teacher-researcher. The case study has now evolved to take in the broader context of the policy and structural changes whilst the action research has expanded to look at the ability of a teacher to be self-reflective: a meta-action research perspective. In concluding, the teacher-researcher reflects on the significance of the research in light of the recent change in state government and the increased government importance placed on science education in the primary context.
28
Knopke, Vicki, and n/a. "Models for Implementing Technology Education in Queensland Primary Schools." Griffith University. School of Vocational, Technology and Arts Education, 2002. http://www4.gu.edu.au:8080/adt-root/public/adt-QGU20051116.154513.
Full textAbstract:
This study examines models for the introduction of technological literacy in technology education in primary schools in Queensland. The study focused on the use of a model derived from one by Morgan (1994a) called The Practitioner's Model of Technological Literacy. The study also examined the development and implementation of a teacher inservice package and student resource material which primary school teachers could utilise to implement a technology based teaching curriculum in their classrooms. Morgan's Practitioner's Model of Technological Literacy was conceptualised through a number of principals listed as: Technical, conceptual, personal, and social. These are defined in the following manner for each dimension. Technical; is comprised of technical capability and proficiency, the utilisation of technology (or design) process, and being at ease with established and emerging technologies. The conceptual dimension is defined as an understanding of the nature of technology, its diversity of meanings and applications in our society; understanding how things work and how solutions can be generated as well as the capacity to judge the adequacy of propositions and solutions given an understanding of the developmental nature of technology. The social aspect of the model encompasses a sensitivity to the dependency of society upon technological solutions and an awareness of the influence of technology upon a democratic society. Finally the personal dimension is bounded by a critical capacity to assess the appropriateness of technology in a variety of settings along with a sense of empowerment to innovate, confront and appreciate the value dependent nature of technology in a world view that it integrated against a background of sustainability. (Morgan, June 1994: 8). This study combines the notion of technological literacy with current Education Queensland policies. These include policies on Active and Informed Citizenship and the principles of Effective Learning and Teaching. The case study approach of this thesis examined seven units of technology curriculum (each labeled at site) and how the units of work were implemented. It detailed the progress made during each unit and allowed for student and parent feedback to triangulate data that was collected. The methodology enabled multiple data gathering techniques to be employed during the study. Many interactions between students and teachers, teacher and class and researcher as participant observer were captured in each site at some time during the course of the study. The confirmation of practice occurred through the data triangulation between researcher and teacher, researcher and students and researcher and parents. Each facet of the phased study provided a broader and more comprehensive picture than if singular researcher observations had been recorded. The study involved three phases. Each phase of the study provided professional development in technology education for the teachers in the study which was then applied in the writing of technology curriculum teaching units and enacted within the classrooms of each site. The results were analysed according to the methodology outlined. At the outset of this study few teachers had any prior experience in technology education and none had encountered the term technological literacy. The results of the project were positive in that teachers with little or no prior knowledge of technological literacy, the concepts it embodied and the principles which underpinned the model all progressed to varying degrees along a continuum of heightened awareness, The new knowledge gained by the teachers was then actioned into teaching and learning programs that were evaluated. During the technology curriculum teaching units students did produce artefacts as an outcome of the technology education process they had undertaken. A constructivist approach was actively encouraged and this method assisted teachers and students in looking for new and multiple ways of solving design briefs. For the most part teachers were surprised at the high quality of solutions and depth of problem solving and interaction students produced during and after the technology curriculum unit. The study suggests that despite the difficulties of introducing technology education programs in primary schooling, it is possible to do so. The key features for successful implementation would seem to be an understanding of the process for implementing such a curriculum program in a classroom. The teachers confidence to engage in problem solving that may lead to a student engaging in learning activities that are beyond their current knowledge base grew during the study. Being willing to allow students to 'take risks' in order to arrive at alternate solutions. To provide for multiple solutions and be confident in providing guidance. The teachers in each of the sites each noted their changing roles, to be a facilitator of learning rather than the knowledge holder. Constructivist teaching using this model has shown that students alter their approach to learning and become active investigators who seek solutions to real work problems as active participants. Given the recent publication of a Syllabus for Technology 1 to 10 in Queensland, (Queensland School Curriculum Council, August 2001) and the upcoming implementation of the syllabus and support documents in 2003 it is timely that this study should look at methods of promoting an awareness of the principles that informed this document.
29
Chancellor, Barbara, and barbara chancellor@rmit edu au. "The Changing Face of Play in Australian Primary School Playgrounds." RMIT University. Education, 2007. http://adt.lib.rmit.edu.au/adt/public/adt-VIT20080414.120725.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis examines the play of children in three Melbourne primary school playgrounds, in diverse socio-economic areas. Play categories were developed and data was collected using qualitative methods. The influence of school policy, teacher supervision styles, playspace design and provision of play equipment was explored and compared for each school. The voices of principals, teachers and children, in conjunction with playground observations and questionnaire response were compiled in order to develop a clear picture of each school playground. Findings showed that children in each school participated in a full range of play categories and were prepared to break school rules in order to do so.
30
Wills, Robin C. "Teaching primary school children in single-gendered classes." Access electronically, 2003. http://www.library.uow.edu.au/adt-NWU/public/adt-NWU20041103.152651/index.html.
Full text
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au, l. payne@central murdoch edu, and Lesley Irene Payne. "School Governance: Phases, Participation and Paradoxes." Murdoch University, 2004. http://wwwlib.murdoch.edu.au/adt/browse/view/adt-MU20040831.95132.
Full textAbstract:
This research analyses the governance structures and processes of thirteen independent primary schools in Perth, and one state primary school in Western Australia termed an alternative or lighthouse school. More in-depth case studies were undertaken at five sites with participants from different time periods. All the schools had a school council or board since their foundations and notably all schools had their origins in the period of the alternative school and community empowerment movement of the 1970s and 1980s.
In an era of market reform and the corporatisation of schools, the critical areas of focus for this research were: how community expectations and school identity were maintained within council-governed schools; how democratic imperatives compete with professionalism and school improvement issues; and how schools confront dilemmas of governance. Three frameworks, Phases of Development, Community Empowerment and Dilemmas, were employed as useful means to discuss school governance. The results revealed changes in governance over time. Schools began to envisage themselves less as communities and more as businesses. The emphasis was away from parent involvement and towards efficiency and commercial practices. Tensions and dilemmas arose out of these changes.
The thesis concluded that it was not the structures or individuals that were crucial in governance processes but the playing out of particular tensions and dilemmas. Principals and councils have to acknowledge the dilemmas that arise from competing values systems and make choices based on a clear understanding of these dilemmas.
32
Lane, Maureen, and res cand@acu edu au. "Growing Up Catholic in Sunshine, 1919-1927, The Establishment of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Primary School: A journey in historiography." Australian Catholic University. School of Education, 1999. http://dlibrary.acu.edu.au/digitaltheses/public/adt-acuvp213.02092009.
Full textAbstract:
This study is, in effect, the compilation and the telling of the story of the establishment of the school of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception at Sunshine, it seeks to add to the quantum of knowledge available in regard to: First - the story of that particular school's establishment, Second - its derivation from and contribution to the \vider context of the development of Catholic education in Victoria, and Third - its place in the story of the growth of a suburban community as a reflection of some of the social forces which were operating in Victoria at that time. This thesis is the result of an invitation by the writer to a number of people to collaborate in constructing the storf. These people ranged from those who, as children, attended the new school, and those whose experience of its establishment was a generation removed but who, nevertheless. claim an affinity ,with the school and its society, to those archivists, professional and otherwise, whose task or desire is to keep alive the historical foundations of our culture. It this thesis is attached to any particular school of historiography it would be closest to the Annales school as outlined in The Living Past: Western Historiographical Traditions (1975). As Andrea and Schmokel describe it, The labors of love of a group of historians associated with the journal Les Annales have produced a wealth of informative detail studies about the life styles, living standards, social values and assumptions about various social groups in all periods of French and European history. (This school) simply seeks to recover knowledge about the past as it was lived. (p.266) In the light of postmodern criticism developed since 1975, this thesis acknowledges directly the ideological base from which the author is coming. Nevertheless, it remains within the orbit of Annales historiography in that it seeks to
33
Standen, Richard Phillip, and standen@hn ozemail com au. "The Interplay Between Teachers' Beliefs and Practices in a Multi-Age Primary School." Griffith University. School of Curriculum, Teaching and Learning, 2003. http://www4.gu.edu.au:8080/adt-root/public/adt-QGU20030730.102127.
Full textAbstract:
The purpose of the research documented in this thesis is to investigate how one particular approach to groupings in one primary school, commonly referred to as multi-age, enables and constrains the practices and actions of its individual teachers. This study is located in a literature that examines the potential that beliefs and belief systems offer for understanding how teachers make sense of, and respond to particular educational contexts. It will be of particular interest to the community of scholars who are investigating the uptake of curriculum innovations in the classrooms of individual practitioners. The philosophical framework underpinning multi-age schooling is significantly different from that operating within the traditional lock-step system. The conventional school organisation has the child move through a predetermined curriculum at a fixed pace, whereas multi-age classes require that teachers focus on needs-based teaching, thus adapting the curriculum to suit the individual student. As a result of this shift in emphasis, it has been common for teachers in multi-age schools to experience dilemmas caused by the dissonance between their own and the schools assumptions about teaching, learning, knowledge and social relations. However, this clash of individuals beliefs and mandated practices is an under-researched area of scholarship particularly within multi-age settings, and is thus the focus of the present research. A framework based on the construct of beliefs and belief systems was used for understanding the personal and idiosyncratic nature of a teachers practice. Such a framework proposes that beliefs can be classified in terms of personal assumptions about self, relationships, knowledge, change and teaching and learning. These classifications, rather than being discrete dimensions acting in isolation, tend to be organised into a coherent and interdependent belief system or orientation. The notion of orientation was found to be a suitable framework within which to investigate the interplay between beliefs and practices over a two year period in one school context that is likely to provide challenges and opportunities for professional growth and development. Because the study focused upon the beliefs and practices of six teachers in a multi-age setting, elements of a qualitative approach to research were employed. The research design adopted for this study is grounded in an interpretative approach which looks for culturally derived and historically situated interpretations of the social world. Within this framework a case-study approach to research was used so as to reveal the interplay between the teachers beliefs and practices. The study found that the concept of orientations provides a suitable framework for understanding the personal and idiosyncratic nature of a teachers beliefs and practices. It was evident that beliefs about self, relationships, knowledge and change were highly significant in shaping the essential nature of teachers orientations. It was found that a summary label, based on these four beliefs, could be used to define the thematic nature of each teachers orientation. These recognisably different labels demonstrated that each teachers four beliefs were not just a pattern, but also a thematically defined pattern. It was also found that whilst some beliefs are thematically central other beliefs are not inherently thematic but are influenced in thematically derived ways. It was the configuration of these core/secondary beliefs that highlighted the importance of investigating belief combinations rather than discrete belief dimensions when attempting to understand the teacher as a person. It was also concluded that the teachers orientations in this study structured their practice in a way that was personal and internally consistent, indicating the dynamic coupling of beliefs and practices. It was clear that individual orientations, shaped by core beliefs, framed the challenges and possibilities that the multi-age ethos offered in varied and personal ways. In addition, the study found that the patterns of, and reasons for, change were complex and therefore it is unlikely that professional in-service will succeed if based on only one of the models of change proposed in the literature. The teachers in this study did not experience dilemmas as dichotomous situations but rather as complex and interrelated challenges to their whole belief system. Not all the teachers in this study approached the challenge of change in the same way. It was evident that individuals had constructed their own narrative for the need to change, and that this orientation tended to dominate the self-improvement agenda. Finally, this study demonstrated that not only the educational consequences of an innovation need to be taken into account, but also how well it is implemented in each classroom, and how compatible each teachers orientation is with the ethos underpinning the innovation.
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Glenn-Hume, David, and n/a. "Being a boy in a primary school." University of Canberra. Teacher Education, 1998. http://erl.canberra.edu.au./public/adt-AUC20060712.095746.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis uses a poststructuralist methodology and leads to a Foucauldian analysis of
power, subjectivity and discursive practices for a group of twelve boys in a Year 3 and 4
classroom.
The thesis is written in a poststructuralist way, and as such, it is experimental. It
experiments with a writing style that encourages the critical engagement of the reader in
deconstructing the text. The personal subjectivity of the author is placed in the
foreground risking a vulnerability that is not apparent in theses generally.
The thesis describes the structure and practicalities of research in a primary school
classroom using a video camera to collect data. Transcripts were made from videotapes
of a school day and interviews with the boys. These were analysed for the frequency of
use of Foucault's "disciplinary techniques" using qualitative research software.
Furthermore computer analysis assisted the extraction of "mini-narratives" from the
transcripts. These "mini-narratives" are used to lead a description of the subjectivity of
the boys and their positioning in the discourses of schooling and hegemonic masculinity.
A picture emerges of a young male subjectivity caught up in the dilemmas of concurrent
positioning in both schooling practices and hegemonic masculinity practices. It is
proposed that boys often see their available positionings as limited by schooling
discourse to "positive-female" or "negative-male". Hegemonic masculinity discourse
limits available positioning to "positive male" or "negative-female". Positioning by the
boys in these discourses is depicted as rapidly changing to the extent that inconsistencies
and confusions arise for boys. The "mini-narratives" use the transcribed voices of the
boys to tell of the challenges and practicalities of being a boy in a primary school.
Recommendations are made that include moving beyond dualistic ways of subject
positioning. The recommendations include ideas for teachers to involve themselves and
their students in developing new ways of speaking about gender difference.
35
Gillan, Kevin P. "Technologies of power : discipline of Aboriginal students in primary school." University of Western Australia. Graduate School of Education, 2008. http://theses.library.uwa.edu.au/adt-WU2008.0183.
Full textAbstract:
This study explored how the discursive practices of government education systemic discipline policy shape the behaviour of Aboriginal primary school students in an urban education district in Western Australia. First, this study conducted a Foucauldian genealogical discourse analysis of the historical and contemporary discursive forces that shaped systemic discipline policy in Western Australian government schools between 1983 and 1998 to uncover changing discursive practices within the institution. This period represented a most turbulent era of systemic discipline policy development within the institution. The analysis of the historical and contemporary discursive forces that shaped policy during this period revealed nine major and consistent discursive practices. Secondly, the study conducted a Foucauldian genealogical discourse analysis into the perspectives of key interest groups of students, parents and Education Department employees in an urban Aboriginal community on discipline policy in Education Department primary schools during the period from 2000 to 2001; and the influence of these policies on the behaviour of Aboriginal students in primary schools. The analysis was accomplished using Foucault's method of genealogy through a tactical use of subjugated knowledges. A cross section of the Aboriginal community was interviewed to examine issues of consultation, suspension and exclusion, institutional organisation and discourse. The study revealed that there are minimal consistent conceptual underpinnings to the development of Education Department discipline policy between 1983 and 1998. What is clear through the nine discursive practices that emerged during the first part of the study is a strengthened recentralising pattern of regulation, in response to the influence of a neo-liberal doctrine that commodifies students in a network of accountability mechanisms driven by the market-state economy. Evidence from both genealogical analyses in this study confirms that the increasing psychologisation of the classroom is contributing towards the pathologisation of Aboriginal student behaviour. It is apparent from the findings in this study that Aboriginal students regularly display Aboriginality-as-resistance type behaviours in response to school discipline regimes. The daily tension for these students at school is the maintenance of their Aboriginality in the face of school policy that disregards many of their regular cultural and behavioural practices, or regimes of truth, that are socially acceptable at home and in their community but threaten the 'good order' of the institution when brought to school. This study found that teachers and principals are ensnared in a web of governmentality with their ability to manoeuvre within the constraints of systemic discipline policy extremely limited. The consequence of this web of governmentality is that those doing the governing in the school are simultaneously the prisoner and the gaoler, and in effect the principle of their own subjection. Also revealed were the obscure and dividing discursive practices of discipline regimes that contribute to the epistemic violence enacted upon Noongar students in primary schools through technologies of power.
36
Hindmarsh, Patricia, and res cand@acu edu au. "Towards an Ecologically Sustainable Catholic Primary School." Australian Catholic University. School of Religious Education, 2008. http://dlibrary.acu.edu.au/digitaltheses/public/adt-acuvp233.18052010.
Full textAbstract:
The research intention is to identify the characteristics of an ecologically sustainable contemporary Catholic primary school and the conditions that support the development of such a school community. The literature review showed there is a clear mandate from the Catholic Church to consider ecological conversion as integral to its evangelising mission, a mission that is at the heart of Catholic education, including the school. An extensive body of educational literature, including philosophy of education and curriculum frameworks, identified environmental awareness and responsibility as mandatory outcomes for all students. The literature study defined and described ecological conversion, sustainable education, environmental education and related conceptual understandings. The literature study also provided examples of strategies to guide the strategic implementation of these understandings within the total learning program of a school. From examples found in the literature, a framework, Steps in Becoming an Environmentally Active Catholic Primary School, incorporating the specifically Catholic religious dimension, was developed by the researcher to provide benchmarks and indicators against which a school’s progress in journeying towards ecological sustainability could be evaluated. This qualitative, constructionist study incorporated some elements of Grounded Theory in gathering and analysing data from within two Australian Catholic primary case study schools recognised for their commitment and good practice in sustainable education. From the analysis of the data gathered through interviews, focus groups and participant observation, the distinctive characteristics of the two schools were identified and their stage of development evaluated against the framework Steps in Becoming an Environmentally Active Catholic Primary School. In addition, the factors that had supported school development and the factors that were barriers to that development were named. From the study, conclusions about the nature of an ecologically sustainable Catholic primary school were drawn and recommendations made about how best to support the development of such a school.
37
Luk, Fong Yuk Yee Pattie, and n/a. "A Study of Guidance Curriculum in Hong Kong Primary Schools." University of Canberra. Professional Communication, 2002. http://erl.canberra.edu.au./public/adt-AUC20050530.092440.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis examines the question of what kind of guidance curriculum is
suitable for primary schools in Hong Kong. The call for the development of guidance
curriculum for primary school children in Hong Kong arises from the needs of
students: their need for enhancement of their self-concept, and has been translated
into guidance and educational policy documents, and structural and administrative
changes in schools which allow more time for the development of guidance in
primary schools.
Given that the educational context of Hong Kong is "East meets West," the
researcher posits that, in studying guidance in Hong Kong, both Eastern and Western
traditions in guidance must be taken into consideration. The researcher further argues
that a guidance curriculum that is suitable for the primary school children in Hong
Kong should start by looking at the particular experiences, expectations and tensions
that educators, guidance professionals, teachers, parents and children are facing in the
competing and changing contexts of the Hong Kong society. These expectations and
tensions are very much related to the colossal changes in Hong Kong and are
reflections of various degrees of overlaps between "East" and "West", as well as
"past" and "present".
The researcher has drawn on literature concerning globalization as
hybridization, the Chinese concept of yin-yang and the psychological processes at
work when Western modernization meet with indigenous Chinese culture, to explain
the dynamics of change in the Hong Kong context. This thesis develops a hybrid
framework for studying such changes. The framework consists of open-ended
questions designed by the researcher from the literature, an adaptation of Confucian's
cardinal relationships and Lawton's model for curriculum development
A qualitative case study method is used for this study. Data are drawn from the
author's own experience in a two-week teaching attachment in a primary school, and
interviews with guidance professionals, primary school principals, teachers and
students in three selected primary schools in Hong Kong. A qualitative study is
chosen so that the multiple realities of teaching guidance in schools can be understood
in their naturalistic settings. The boundary of the case is Hong Kong with its
implementation of Hong Kong versions of Radd's (1993) Grow with guidance system.
Three out of the eight Grow with guidance system pilot schools are studied. The
chosen schools differ in student composition, school type, and methods of
implementation of the guidance curriculum.
Data are obtained by individual interviews, the in-depth study of one case
study school by the researcher as participant observer, and content analysis of
guidance materials in the case study schools. Data by these three methods and from
different stakeholders are triangulated, as information obtained is checked against
each other. This study uses multiple forms of evidences and they persuade by reason.
Being a qualitative case study, its purpose is to illuminate but not to generalize. The
criteria for judging the success of this study depend on the richness and accuracy of
data, as well as the coherence, insight and instrumental utility in presenting and
reading the data.
The researcher argues for a hybrid guidance curriculum for the primary
schools in Hong Kong to suit the hybrid contexts in Hong Kong. Data obtained from
content analysis and the case study schools show that the philosophical, sociological
and psychological factors as well as the content, pedagogies, organization for teaching
and practical arrangements of the guidance curricula are hybrid in the Hong Kong
implementation of Radd's Grow with guidance system. The researcher concludes that
a useful guidance curriculum for Hong Kong primary schools must first listen to the
different voices of all stakeholders about the guidance curricula and their "self-other
relationships", for those voices reflect their tensions and reality. Much of their voices
are presented as stories following the Chinese storying traditions. Methods to help
children to deal with tensions and conflicts at personal, school, home and societal
levels include giving up self to follow others [chinese characters omitted, knowing self and others [chinese characters omitted], awareness of
and accommodation of differences [chinese characters omitted]context
analysis, communication using culturally and contextually appropriate ways and
emotional management.
This thesis contributes to knowledge by inventing the concept of "hybrid
guidance curriculum" to suit the hybrid context of Hong Kong. A new hybrid research
methodology is also developed in this thesis which enables the forming of new
categories of "self-other relationships" and new hybrid key concepts for the guidance
curriculum. As such, this study allows for the re-reading of new ideas and practices of
traditions in a modern hybrid society. Moreover, it also highlights the importance of
the development of a reflexive self in which one negotiates one's own positions and
one's relationships with others. In a special case, this study examines the fundamental
issue of adapting and integrating western traditions in a country with different culture
and contexts. Research frontiers, home school co-operation and implications to
teacher educators, practitioners and policy makers in the guidance fields are discussed.
Although this research is basically about Hong Kong, the findings may also be
relevant to other places in the world where modernization has taken place in the
indigenous culture.
38
Alshurfat, Saleh Swailem. "The role of primary school teachers in education change in Jordan /." View thesis, 2003. http://library.uws.edu.au/adt-NUWS/public/adt-NUWS20050811.150405/index.html.
Full text
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Bamford, Anne Kathleen. "The qualities of primary art teachers /." Electronic version, 2002. http://adt.lib.uts.edu.au/public/adt-NTSM20041011.182559/index.html.
Full text
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Landers, Denise, and mikewood@deakin edu au. "Improving primary school health education through action research: A case study." Deakin University, 1994. http://tux.lib.deakin.edu.au./adt-VDU/public/adt-VDU20050915.102258.
Full textAbstract:
Limited research has been conducted concerning the actual practice of health education in Victorian schools.
This study investigates the health education curriculum at a large primary school in the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne. The investigation involves a critical analysis of current practices in health education in the upper school through the development of a small action research group. Data were gathered through document collection, questionnaires, interviews, discussions, diary and reflective journal entries.
The action research group, consisting of the teacher-researcher and upper school teachers, developed, implemented and reflected upon units of work piloted with upper school students. Alternative approaches to health education were explored. The aim was to accommodate critically informed discourse amongst colleagues to promote self-reflective enquiry and facilitate improvements to existing pedagogic practices.
During the course of the investigation, factors limiting and facilitating action research and curriculum change in health education, became evident. These included personal, practical, curriculum and organisational constraints operating externally and internally on the school and classroom environments. Despite these constraints, it was demonstrated in this study, that action research can contribute to the improvement of pedagogic practices in health education. Small authentic action research projects may provide alternative internal professional development structures for teachers and consequently improve learning opportunities for students.
41
Prattis, John, and n/a. "A survey study on school library book borrowing patterns of primary school children according to age, sex and reading level." University of Canberra. Education, 1992. http://erl.canberra.edu.au./public/adt-AUC20061106.151256.
Full textAbstract:
This survey study examines the type and frequency of books borrowed by students
according to age, sex and reading ability. It seeks to redress the sparsity of
information available on the types and style of books borrowed by children.
This survey study is based on data gathered over 14 weeks at Wanniassa Hills Primary School. Weekly library borrowings were recorded for Years 2. 3/4 and
5/6. A sample of 90 children, 30 from each year level was selected and individual
borrowings were coded for analysis according to the type of book borrowed. The
SAS System was used to tabulate the data and conclusions were drawn from the
results thus obtained.
The survey study revealed that females borrow more books generally than males.
A general pattern of book borrowing is evident. Females tend to progress more
quickly man males through this pattern of borrowing. Males tend to prefer Non-
Fiction books, progressing to Choose Your Own Adventure books and Fantasy
Game books. Recommendations are based on these findings and other outcomes of
the survey study.
This survey study has implications for classroom practice, libraries, basic readers
and further study.
42
Grubb, Karen Elizabeth, and kgrubb1@bigpond com. "An examination of the experiences of gifted preschool and primary age children." RMIT University. Education, 2009. http://adt.lib.rmit.edu.au/adt/public/adt-VIT20090604.095927.
Full textAbstract:
This research is a Case Study of the experiences of two groups of gifted children, including two preschoolers (3-5 years old) and three primary age children (6 - 9 years old), and their families in Victoria. The children were selected utilising a multi-faceted approach to identification appropriate to their ages and stages of development. That is, both objective and subjective procedures were used which included teacher nomination, parent nomination and checklists for the identification of the children for the case study. The focus of the study was on the personal and educational experiences of these children, with a particular emphasis on recording the
43
Hertel, Russel, and n/a. "Time-in: a logical consequence for misbehaving children in primary school." University of Canberra. Education, 1993. http://erl.canberra.edu.au./public/adt-AUC20060207.140309.
Full textAbstract:
Time-In, A Logical Consequence for Misbehaving Students,
studied the effects of a primary school discipline program
designed and implemented by a trainee school counsellor. The
program delivered a series of logical consequences for students'
misbehaviour and a formalized entry point for counselling
intervention.
The program was based on a critical incident technique that
required teachers to issue infringement notices to misbehaving
students who failed to respond to warnings or contravened existing
rules regarding safe and responsible behaviour. Counselling and
system responses (loss of privileges, parent notification, in
school suspension, exclusion) occurred within an established
formula dependent on the number of infringements accruing to the
student. The school counsellor assumed full responsibility for
the collection of infringements, monitoring of on-going student
misbehaviour, parental contact and overall management functions of
the host school's discipline program. Counselling sessions and
mode of therapy were selected and employed to meet the specific
needs of misbehaving students once extended misbehaviour patterns
emerged.
Data collected throughout the study's duration (one year)
indicated a decline in the number of recurring offenders and a
drop-off in the number of infringements received by those pupils
who continued to transgress school policies regarding safe and
responsible behaviour. Five hundred and forty-seven infringement
notices were issued during the study which resulted in a total of
83 counselling sessions. Male students dominated all categories
of misbehaviour and accounted for 86% of the infringements issued.
Seventy-seven per cent of infringements issued were from class
teacher to students in the class setting.
Three questionnaires were administered at the end of the
program to teachers, parents and students. Both parent and
teacher questionnaire results supported Time-In procedures but
almost half of the students responded negatively to the
continuation of the program. Several hypotheses were posited for
this outcome.
44
Nathan, Elijah. "Reputational orientations and aggression : extending reputation enhancement theory to upper primary school aged bullies." University of Western Australia. Graduate School of Education, 2009. http://theses.library.uwa.edu.au/adt-WU2010.0015.
Full textAbstract:
The research reported in this thesis investigated the reputational orientations and aggressive behaviour of primary school aged bullies. It also sought to determine whether the reputational orientations of bullies who were loners differed to those who had established friendship networks. To achieve the research aims four separate yet inter-related studies were conducted. Study One explored the construct of reputation and its relevance to the bullying behaviours of 23 male and 23 female Grade 5 (10 year old) children from eight separate primary schools. All of these children had been suspended from school because of their bullying. Semi structured interviews revealed that reputation was an important construct to bullies, primarily because of the feelings of strength, power, and social status attributed to them by others as a result of their bullying. They also reported that the type of image and status they attained from bullying others was what they were actively seeking. To achieve their desired image different types of overt and covert bullying acts were perpetrated. The bullies also revealed that they carefully selected the physical locations where they bullied others so as to maximize the visibility of their actions to others. The school oval, playground and toilets were the most popular locations, but the use of new media such as mobile phones and the internet allowed them to bully others without the presence of an audience. The bullies also reported that their victims communicated what had happened to them to others, which disseminated their actions to a wider audience. It was clearly evident from Study One that the construct of reputation was important to bullies and was worthy of further investigation.
45
Grace, Tim, and n/a. "An investigation of primary school children's clay modelling techniques." University of Canberra. Education, 1993. http://erl.canberra.edu.au./public/adt-AUC20060712.130505.
Full textAbstract:
Children in their final years of primary schooling tend to emphasize the
use of detail and the production of naturalistic representations, when
modelling the human figure with clay. Children of this age rarely
construct clay figures which are noted for their dynamic quality in terms
of finish, proportion, or pose.
This study examined the effect of using a "formative" modelling
technique on the clay models made by 11 year old children. Involved
in the study were two groups of 11 year old children. Both groups of
children undertook a pre-test, a post-test, and a series of clay
modelling activities similar to other activities described in most primary
school art curricula. The experimental group of children were
instructed in the use of a "formative" modelling technique in which
children develop their clay figures from a single mass of clay and
refrain from constructing the figures by a combination of separate
parts. The control group received no instruction.
Brown's Modified "Secondary" Characteristics Rating Scale was used
to identify differences between pre- and post-test clay figures.
Results suggest that the "formative" modelling technique did not induce
a different approach to the modelling of finish, proportion, and pose in
the clay figures made by boys and girls 11 years of age. However,
there was evidence of a gender difference.
46
Rooney, Barbara A., and n/a. "The teaching of science in a primary school : a case study." University of Canberra. Education, 1995. http://erl.canberra.edu.au./public/adt-AUC20061107.155337.
Full textAbstract:
The 'Discipline Review of Teacher Education in Mathematics and Science' (Department
of Employment, Education and Training, 1989, p 81) concludes that science in primary
schools is in a state of crisis. This finding is not new as there have been concerns about
primary school science for many years. It is likely that one of the reasons why the
problem remains could relate to the attitudes and beliefs that teachers hold about the
subject and its importance in the primary school curriculum.
Another reason put forward relates to the limited background experiences in science of
many primary school teachers. In particular, their knowledge of content matter and
strategies for teaching the subject is limited. As a consequence, many primary teachers
do not feel confident to teach science so they avoid it or teach only units with which they
are familiar. This leads to inconsistent science teaching and an ineffective science
curriculum in many primary schools.
The research question, What factors influence the teaching of science in a primary
school?' is investigated through a case study of a primary school. Teachers' attitudes to,
and beliefs about, the subject are explored in relation to their background experiences,
teacher education and knowledge of science. How these factors influence their
classroom teaching is explored through the context of the physical environment and
culture of the school, the culture of teaching and the instructional leadership of the
principal.
The case study is based on information obtained from teacher surveys and interviews,
journal entries and school documents. A typology which helps clarify factors influencing
the teaching of science is developed. It provides insight into the problems of teaching
the subject and how they may be addressed. A case study of the principal adds to the
typology by providing the principal's perspective of science in the school.
It is likely that the school featured in the case study is representative of many primary
schools. The findings and recommendations may therefore have wider implications and
may contribute to more effective teaching of science in many primary schools.
47
Brooker, Barry N., and n/a. "Stakeholders' Meanings of Effective School Leadership: A Case Study in a New Zealand Primary School." Griffith University. School of Cognition, Language and Special Education, 2006. http://www4.gu.edu.au:8080/adt-root/public/adt-QGU20061023.151530.
Full textAbstract:
Guided by the theoretical underpinnings of symbolic interactionism, this study set out to describe and analyse how stakeholders in a New Zealand Primary School understand effective school leadership, and how their meanings of leadership are influenced by the context in which they work. Review of the school leadership literature indicated that there was widespread agreement on the importance of leadership for school effectiveness but limited empirical data on how, or why, this was the case. To gain an understanding of stakeholders' meanings of effective leadership the study adopted a qualitative, case study design. Purposive, criterion-based selection was used to select a school considered to have highly effective leadership practices and to identify a cross-section of stakeholders within that school. The participants were the principal, Board of Trustees chairperson, assistant principal, teacher, general staff member, and student. Data were gathered from concept maps, semi-structured interviews and selected school documents such as the school's Education Review Office report and staff job descriptions. Data were analysed using grounded theory methods of analysis, specifically the use of constant comparison through open and axial coding. The findings of the study are presented and examined in terms of three theoretical propositions that encapsulate the stakeholders' meanings of effective school leadership. The first proposition examines three core values - concern for the individual, a commitment to learning, and an expectation of high performance - that permeated the school and influenced stakeholders' meanings and leadership practices. The second proposition examines the provision of direction, which involved articulation of a strong vision, use of symbols and ceremonies, modelling valued practices and beliefs, and raising the aspirations of staff and students. The third proposition examines leading and managing processes, which included the development of a team structure, leading and managing staff appointments and non-performance, managing communications, meetings and time, and providing opportunities for decision-making and leadership. Although considered in separate chapters, the three theoretical propositions are inter-related. The findings from this study highlight the importance of a set of core, common values for school leadership, confirm the role that leaders play in providing direction through a variety of symbolic activities, re-emphasise the need for studies of leadership to consider the context specific and people-based aspects of leadership, and confirm the place of teams in achieving a school's goals and reinforcing its values. The findings of the study also identify a need for team learning and development, and for a greater focus on values and beliefs in development programmes for principals. In addition, from both a theoretical and practical perspective, the findings establish a need for further research into the conception and practice of distributed leadership, and indicate that principals continue to play a central leadership role in self-managing, primary schools. The study's findings, thus, add to an at present limited base of empirical data on school leadership, and provide an insight into the perspectives of those involved in the leadership processes. Although the study's findings are based on a single school, in a particular context, the research design and methodology, including use of theoretical propositions, means the findings and conclusions generated from the study are pertinent to leadership theory, leadership research and leadership policy and practice in various contexts. The findings of this study are therefore likely to be of use to researchers of educational leadership, school principals, other school leaders, educational policy makers, and those designing and implementing professional learning programmes for principals and other school leaders.
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SOUSA, ANGELA SILVA DE. "THE 10.639/03 ACT ON PRIMARY SCHOOL: A CASE STUDY IN THE CITY OF NOVA IGUAÇU." PONTIFÍCIA UNIVERSIDADE CATÓLICA DO RIO DE JANEIRO, 2016. http://www.maxwell.vrac.puc-rio.br/Busca_etds.php?strSecao=resultado&nrSeq=27700@1.
Full textAbstract:
PONTIFÍCIA UNIVERSIDADE CATÓLICA DO RIO DE JANEIROCONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO
A presente dissertação tem como objetivo compreender como se dão as práticas pedagógicas baseadas na implementação da Lei 10.639/03 em uma escola pública do município de Nova Iguaçu. O referencial teórico que embasou as discussões foram os estudos sobre relações étnico raciais, educação escolar e cultura(s), focando na Educação Intercultural. Baseia-se em um estudo de caso de caráter qualitativo. As estratégias metodológicas utilizadas foram: análise de documentos (Projeto Político Pedagógico da escola e textos legais que dão suporte a Lei 10.639/03), observações de atividades pedagógicas no período de cinco meses (março a julho) no ano de 2015 e entrevistas semi-estruturadas com 10 membros da equipe pedagógica, sendo 7 professoras e 3 gestoras. A partir da análise de dados percebemos que a implementação da Lei 10.639/03 apresenta limites e possibilidades. Livros de literatura infanto-juvenil permeados pela temática africana e afro-brasileira, sobretudo quando apresentam personagens negros evidenciam caminhos para se trabalhar a temática étnico-racial na escola, especialmente no que concerne à construção da identidade racial dos/das alunos/as. Os recursos materiais, a religiosidade e a formação/concepção de professores/as são questões levantadas enquanto limites, embora apresentem saídas à configuração de novos processos pedagógicos, novas maneiras de se pensar a prática . Em suma, a escola pesquisada inclui no seu dia-a-dia atividades e conteúdos sobre a temática contida no corpo da Lei 10.639/03 e suas diretrizes curriculares. Apresenta em seu Projeto Político Pedagógico a temática racial, embora não como um tema central. Apesar de as práticas pedagógicas/culturais realizadas na escola privilegiarem a construção identitária das crianças, numa perspectiva de percepção de suas identidades, o que consideramos muito importantes, é possível perceber esforços e avanços no que se refere ao aprofundamento das relações com os demais grupos sociais, vislumbrando passos em direção ao que nomeamos de Educação Intercultural.
The aim of the present dissertation is to understand the pedagogical practices that stem from the implementation of the 10.639/03 Act at a public school of Nova Iguaçu. The theoretical background to the discussion gathers studies on racial and ethnic relations, school and culture, focusing on Intercultural Education. It is based on a qualitative case study. The methodological methods involved are: document analysis (Political Pedagogical Project of the school, and legal texts supporting the 10.639/03 Act), observations of pedagogical activities during five months (march to july) in 2015, semi-structured interviews with 10 members of the pedagogical team, including 7 teachers and 3 staff. From the data analysis, we observed that the implementation of the 10.639/03 Act both has its limits and opens new possibilities. Books from the juvenile litterature infused with african and afro-brasilian themes, in particular when they present black characters, illustrate means to work on racial and ethnics theme in school, in particular regarding the construction of the racial identity of the students. The teaching resources, the religiosity, the formation of teachers and their conceptions are all seen to be part of the limitations, but they are also the key to new pedagogical processes, new ways to think the practice of pedagogy. In a nutshell, the school that we studied daily includes activities and contents following the themes present in the body of the 10.639/03 Act and its curricular guidelines. It features the Race issue in its Political Pedagogical Project, albeit not as a central theme. Although the pedagogical/cultural practices in the school are focused on the construction of the identity of the children, in the perspective of self-perception of their own identity, that we find paramount, it is also possible to perceive efforts and advances in the direction of better relations between social groups, giving a glimpse of what we could call a truly Intercultural Education.
49
Bruce, Muray G., and n/a. "Initiating total quality management : the experience of teachers at one primary school." University of Canberra. School of Professional & Community Education, 1998. http://erl.canberra.edu.au./public/adt-AUC20060615.170818.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis reports on a study which explored the experiences of teachers
working at Gilmore Primary School in the Australian Capital Territory as they
initiated the management philosophy known as Total Quality Management
(TQM). The teachers' perceptions of key TQM ideas were obtained from
staff meeting notes, interviews and a variety of questionnaires. The teachers'
perceptions constituted the data for the study. The study utilised
ethnographic methodology incorporating aspects interpretive and critical
approaches. Participants in the study were actively engaged in the initiation
project and as such were taking part, with the researcher, in a co-operative
experiential enquiry.
Key TQM ideas provided the themes for this study. These themes were;
continuous improvement, shared vision, customer and process focus,
teamwork, outrageous goals and systematic data gathering. Teachers'
perceptions regarding each of these themes or key ideas were analysed by
considering the effect on them of two sets of factors. The first set consisted
of factors in educational change while the second was comprised of factors in
the culture of teaching. TQM history, principles and practices as well as the
two sets of factors related to educational change and the culture of teaching
were discussed in a review of literature.
From the analysis of teachers' perceptions a series of recommendations were
developed for implementing TQM at Gilmore Primary School and for more
general application of theory and practice.
50
Watkins, Simon A. C., and res cand@acu edu au. "An Exploration of How Some Staff Members Perceive Catholic School Renewal in Some Primary Schools in the Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton." Australian Catholic University. School of Educational Leadership, 2006. http://dlibrary.acu.edu.au/digitaltheses/public/adt-acuvp106.11092006.
Full textAbstract:
For the last forty years, since the end of the Second Vatican Council, the Catholic Church has been committed to renewal. In Queensland, Catholic schools have responded to this commitment by undertaking cyclical renewal processes since the early 1980s. The focus of this research was the process of Catholic School Renewal in the Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia. The review of the literature focused on literature relating to school effectiveness and school improvement internationally and nationally, as well as Catholic School Renewal in Queensland generally and the Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton specifically. The following research questions focused the research design: 1. How is the process of Catholic School Renewal a source of potential growth? 2. How does the process of Catholic School Renewal ensure quality Catholic education? 3. How is the process of Catholic School Renewal a useful quality assurance tool? The epistemological stance adopted for the research was constructionism. The research paradigm adopted was interpretivism with social interactionism as the selected orientation. As case study is congruent with an interpretivist tradition of research it was adopted as a useful way of gaining insight into the perspectives of the participants. The case was comprised of some staff members who worked in one of four Catholic primary schools situated in three of the four regions of the Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton. Data collection took the form of semi-structured interviews and a survey questionnaire with the data being analysed using the constant comparative method. The study concluded that the process of Catholic School Renewal in the Diocese of Rockhampton is a useful quality assurance tool which helps to ensure quality Catholic education. Whether or not the process is a source of growth is dependent on a number of factors, paramount among which is the approach and ability of the Regional Supervisor of Schools. There were six major recommendations arising out of the research. These related to: 1. Ensuring the Regional Supervisor of Schools has certain attributes and knowledge. 2. Inservicing school staff on the purpose and nature of Catholic School Renewal. 3. Providing External Validation Team members with adequate inservice. 4. Permitting more involvement of the school principal in the process. 5. Initiating a review of the process of Catholic School Renewal in the Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton. 6. Rockhampton Catholic Education continuing to use the process.