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Dissertation Information for Timothy J. Frey

NAME:
- Timothy J. Frey

DEGREE:
- Ph.D.

DISCIPLINE:
- Curriculum and Instruction

SCHOOL:
- Indiana University (USA) (2005)

ADVISORS:
- Dennis R. Knapczyk

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
- Jeffrey Anderson
- Thomas Brush
- Carrie Chapman

MPACT Status: Incomplete - Not_Inspected

Title: Investigating the impact of an on-line practicum experience for in-service special education teachers

Abstract: Practicum experiences are commonly used in teacher education. Practica are expected to provide opportunities for teachers to gain "hands-on" classroom experience and learn how to implement new instructional strategies in authentic classroom environments. Recently, teacher educators and researchers have been called upon to demonstrate the effectiveness of common teacher education practices. Although, the inherent value of practicum experiences is generally agreed upon, little research has been conducted to determine the impact of practicum experiences for in-service teachers.

The impact of a practicum experience for in-service special education teachers was the focus of this study. The practicum under investigation was linked directly with a graduate level methods course and primarily delivered using an asynchronous on-line format. A concurrent triangulation mixed methods design that included both qualitative and quasi-experimental techniques was used to explore the components of the practicum experience and examine the affect of the practicum on participants' self-assessment of instructional practices, and knowledge related to course content.

The results indicated that the participants in the practicum made significant improvements in their self-assessment of instructional practices, but did not make substantial gains in course-related knowledge. Findings also indicated that important components of the practicum included: the use of meaningful instructional activities, involvement in a supportive learning community, and the structure of the practicum project. Based on the findings, the practicum seems to be an effective way to facilitate professional growth for in-service teachers.

MPACT Scores for Timothy J. Frey

A = 0
C = 0
A+C = 0
T = 0
G = 0
W = 0
TD = 0
TA = 0
calculated 2010-10-18 20:16:24

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