Author : Richard Andrew Whatley
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (15 download)
Book Synopsis Enhancing Teacher Efficacy and Competency for Project-based Learning in Middle Grades Math and Science Classes by : Richard Andrew Whatley
Download or read book Enhancing Teacher Efficacy and Competency for Project-based Learning in Middle Grades Math and Science Classes written by Richard Andrew Whatley and published by . This book was released on 2018 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: ABSTRACT This action research (AR) case study addressed the barriers teachers face when implementing project-based learning (PBL) in math and science middle grades classes. The AR team identified barriers and developed solutions to overcoming challenges when teachers plan and implement PBL. The AR team developed and coordinated a professional development program consisting of an initial PBL workshop, professional learning community (PLC) sessions, and observations and feedback. To evaluate the AR process, the following questions guided this study: What are perceived barriers to PBL implementation and how might those barriers be removed to ensure implementation of PBL with greater fidelity? How might professional development be used to increase teachers' levels of PBL implementation and efficacy in the classroom? What is learned by an action research team as it collaboratively works to develop a PBL professional development program? Under the guidance of action research, the team examined feedback from the Buck Institute Project-based Learning Survey, the Teacher Sense of Efficacy Scale, focus group interview transcriptions, PLC meeting notes, and observation feedback to determine if the interventions removed barriers and improved teacher efficacy. Findings included the following: (1) Teachers experienced seven common barriers that inhibited their PBL development and implementation, (2) seven solutions were developed to mitigate the barriers, (3) a comprehensive professional development program consisting of an initial workshop, a series of PLC sessions, and observations and non-evaluative feedback significantly enhanced teachers' PBL implementation and efficacy, and (4) teacher mindset is integral in adopting PBL instructional practices.