| 1. |
- Doyle, Andrew, 1992-
(author)
-
Consolidating concepts of technology education : From rhetoric towards a potential reality
- 2020
-
Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The thesis focuses on the relationship between international rhetoric and classroom realities in technology education. For some time there has been widespread recognition that the intended goals for learning in the subject area have failed to manifest in enacted practices as envisioned. As the intermediary between rhetoric and reality, the technology teachers and ways of understanding their enacted practices are the focus of this work. The thesis is based on four research articles which adopt theoretical and empirical approaches to investigating the technology teacher as mediator of enacted practice. In Article I, technology education in the Irish national context is investigated through technology teachers’ reflections on enacted practice. In response to a variety of situational- and systemic- factors which impede classroom practice being identified, Article II and III theorise approaches to investigating enacted practice in technology. In acknowledging the epistemological basis of technology as depicted in the extant literature, a reconceptualisation of how to utilise pedagogical content knowledge research in explaining enacted practice is put forward. Article IV returns to the technology teacher in a transnational context, whereby teachers from the Republic of Ireland, Sweden and New Zealand are interviewed in constructing a grounded theory of teachers’ purposes for teaching technology. The contributions of the research are twofold. Firstly, following the identification of evidence to support the existence of rhetoric-reality tensions in technology education, an ecologically situated framework of enacted practice is put forward. The framework acknowledges how subject matter is treated in technology education in striving for more comprehensive ways of investigating enacted practice. Secondly, in taking a preliminary step toward understanding enacted practices, a grounded theory of teachers’ purposes for teaching technology is put forward. This grounded theory offers a unified model for articulating the purposes of teaching technology that prevail in classroom realities today.
|
|
| 2. |
- Doyle, Andrew, 1992-, et al.
(author)
-
Subject(s) matter : A grounded theory of technology teachers’ conceptions of the purpose of teaching technology
-
Other publication (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Technology education internationally has for some time struggled to achieve continuity between what is depicted in policy and curricular documents and the reality of day-to-day practices. With its focus often articulated through the nature of activity students are to engage with, technology teachers are recognised as having significantly more autonomy in the design and implementation of their practices than teachers of other subjects. From this, it is important to understand the role of teachers’ beliefs about technology education and subsequently, how their beliefs may influence enacted practices. As such, this study sought to investigate teachers’ conceptions of the purpose of teaching technology through reflection on their enacted practices. A constructivist grounded theory methodology was employed for the design of the study and analysis of data. According to our analysis, despite similarities between the nature of student activity that interviewees designed and implemented, interviewees represented the purpose of the subject in different ways. Three different conceptions of the purpose of teaching technology were identified; obtaining knowledge and skills for application, ability to act in a technological way, and ability to think in a technological way. Central to the three conceptions were contentions in the representations of what constituted subject matter knowledge in the subject, and the role that different application cases played in teaching technology. Without consideration and explicit articulation of the purposes for teaching technology, this lack of clarity and differences in rationale for teaching technology are likely to continue.
|
|
| 3. |
- Finnveden, Göran, et al.
(author)
-
Evaluation of integration of sustainable development in higher education in Sweden
- 2020
-
In: International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education. - : Emerald Group Publishing Limited. - 1467-6370 .- 1758-6739. ; 21:4, s. 685-698
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose Since 2006, higher education institutions (HEIs) in Sweden, should according to the Higher Education Act, promote sustainable development (SD). In 2016, the Swedish Government asked the Swedish higher education authority to evaluate how this study is proceeding. The authority chose to focus on education. This paper aims to produce a report on this evaluation. Design/methodology/approach All 47 HEIs in Sweden were asked to write a self-evaluation report based on certain evaluation criteria. A panel was appointed consisting of academics and representatives for students and working life. The panel wrote an evaluation of each HEI, a report on general findings and recommendations, and gave an overall judgement of each HEI in two classes as follows: the HEI has well-developed processes for integration of SD in education or the HEI needs to develop their processes. Findings Overall, a mixed picture developed. Most HEIs could give examples of programmes or courses where SD was integrated. However, less than half of the HEIs had overarching goals for integration of SD in education or had a systematic follow-up of these goals. Even fewer worked specifically with pedagogy and didactics, teaching and learning methods and environments, sustainability competences or other characters of education for SD. Overall, only 12 out of 47 got a higher judgement. Originality/value This is a unique study in which all HEIs in a country are evaluated. This provides unique possibilities for identifying success factors and barriers. The importance of the leadership of the HEIs became clear.
|
|
| 4. |
- Cronhjort, Mikael, et al.
(author)
-
Leadership and Pedagogical Skills in Computer Science Engineering by Combining a Degree in Engineering with a Degree in Education
- 2020
-
In: 2020 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE). - : IEEE. - 0190-5848. - 9781728189611 ; , s. 1-9
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In this full paper on innovative practice, we describe and discuss findings from dual degree study programmes that combine a master's degree in engineering with a master's degree in education. This innovative study programme design has emerged in Sweden due to an alarming demand for more Upper Secondary School teachers in STEM subjects. Studies on alumni from these programmes indicate that the graduates are highly appreciated not only as teachers in schools, but also in business and industry, e.g. in roles as IT consultants and computer science engineers. Data indicate that the breadth of the combined education, and especially leadership and pedagogical skills, are important factors for these graduates' success as engineers.
|
|
| 5. |
- Barman, Linda, 1972-, et al.
(author)
-
Safeguarding fairness in assessments—How teachers develop joint practices
- 2022
-
In: Medical Education. - : Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Inc.. - 0308-0110 .- 1365-2923. ; , s. 1-9
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction - In light of reforms demanding increased transparency of student performance assessments, this study offers an in-depth perspective of how teachers develop their assessment practice. Much is known about factors that influence assessments, and different solutions claim to improve the validity and reliability of assessments of students' clinical competency. However, little is known about how teachers go about improving their assessment practices. This study aims to contribute empirical findings about how teachers' assessment practice may change when shared criteria for assessing students' clinical competency are developed and implemented.Methods - Using a narrative-in-action research approach grounded in narrative theory about human sense-making, one group including nine health professions teachers was studied over a period of 1 year. Drawing upon data from observations, interviews, formal documents and written reflections from these teachers, we performed a narrative analysis to reveal how these teachers made sense of experiences associated with the development and implementation of joint grading criteria for assessing students' clinical performances.Results - The findings present a narrative showing how a shared assessment practice took years to develop and was based on the teachers changed approach to scrutiny. The teachers became highly motivated to use grading criteria to ensure fairness in assessments, but more importantly, to fulfil their moral obligation towards patients. The narrative also demonstrates how these teachers reasoned about dilemmas that arose when they applied standardised assessment criteria.Discussion - The narrative analysis shows clearly how teachers' development and application of assessment standards are embedded in local practices. Our findings highlight the importance of teachers' joint discussions on how to interpret criteria applied in formative and summative assessments of students' performances. In particular, teachers' different approaches to assessing ‘pieces of skills’ versus making holistic judgements on students' performances, regardless of whether the grading criteria are clear and well-articulated on paper, should be acknowledged. Understanding the journey that these teachers made gives new perspectives as to how faculty can be supported when assessments of professionalism and clinical competency are developed.
|
|
| 6. |
- Hrastinski, Stefan, 1980-, et al.
(author)
-
Critical Imaginaries and Reflections on Artificial Intelligence and Robots in Postdigital K-12 Education
- 2019
-
In: Postdigital Science and Education. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2524-485X .- 2524-4868 .- 2662-5326. ; 1:2, s. 427-445
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- It is commonly suggested that emerging technologies will revolutionize education. In this paper, two such emerging technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) and educational robots (ER), are in focus. The aim of the paper is to explore how teachers, researchers and pedagogical developers critically imagine and reflect upon how AI and robots could be used in education. The empirical data were collected from discussion groups that were part of a symposium. For both AI and ERs, the need for more knowledge about these technologies, how they could preferably be used, and how the emergence of these technologies might affect the role of the teacher and the relationship between teachers and students, were outlined. Many participants saw more potential to use AI for individualization as compared with ERs. However, there were also more concerns, such as ethical issues and economic interests, when discussing AI. While the researchers/developers to a greater extent imagined ideal future technology-rich educational practices, the practitioners were more focused on imaginaries grounded in current practice.
|
|
| 7. |
- Lindqvist, Henrik, 1978-, et al.
(author)
-
Work-based learning partnerships: mentor-teachers’ perceptions of student teachers’ challenges
- 2023
-
In: Educational research (Windsor. Print). - : Informa UK Limited. - 0013-1881 .- 1469-5847. ; 65:3, s. 392-407
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: For prospective teachers, the school-based learning component of their teacher education programme is a crucial, and often demanding, part of becoming a teacher. During this time, mentor-teachers work in close collaboration with student teachers, who are often teaching in an actual school setting for the first time. As the relationship between mentor-teacher and student teacher is pivotal to the quality of work-based learning and to supporting the professional development of prospective teachers, more needs to be understood about this complex dynamic. Purpose: Our study aimed to contribute to this area by investigating, from the viewpoint of mentor-teachers, how student teachers respond to the demands of work-based learning. It had a particular focus on mentor-teachers’ perceptions of student teachers’ emotional challenges associated with teaching and engagement. Methods: Data consisted of interviews with 22 experienced mentor -teachers from five different municipalities. Data were analysed qualitatively, using tools aligned with a constructivist grounded theory approach. Findings: Describing teaching as a complex practice, the mentor-teachers regarded proactive engagement in developing professionalism, and ability to make appropriately differentiated adjustments to their teaching as important criteria in their evaluation of student teacher progression. The mentor-teachers described student teachers’ emotional challenges in relation to these and discussed support strategies. Conclusions: The findings of the study highlight the complex dynamic of work-based learning and the key role that mentor-teachers can play in supporting the development of prospective teachers entering the profession, including the navigation of emotionally challenging situations.
|
|
| 8. |
- Rolandsson, Lennart, 1965-
(author)
-
Programmed or Not : A study about programming teachers’ beliefs and intentions in relation to curriculum
- 2015
-
Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- In the intersection of technology, curriculum and intentions, a specific issue of interest is found in the gap between teachers’ intentions and implementations of curriculum. Instead of approaching curriculum and technology as something fait accompli, teachers are considered crucial in the re-discovery of what and how to teach. The thesis depicts the mind-set of teachers and their beliefs in relation to computing curriculum. Three perspectives are covered in the thesis. Based on original documents and interviews with curriculum developers, the enactment of the computing/programming curriculum during the 1970s and 1980s is explored (Paper 1). This historical perspective is supplemented with a perspective from the present day where current teaching practice is explored through teachers’ statements (seminars with associated questionnaires) regarding their beliefs about teaching and learning programming(Paper 2). Finally with a view from a theoretical perspective, teachers’perception of instruction is discussed in relation to a theoretical framework where their intentions in relation to theoretical and practical aspects of knowledge are revealed (Papers 3 & 4). The initial incitement to offer computing education during the 1970s was discovered in the recruitment of a broader group of students within the Natural Science Programme and the perception that it would contribute to the development of students’ ability to think logically and learn problem solving skills. Data concerning teachers’ beliefs about teaching and learning programming unravels an instructional dependence among today’s teachers where students’ logical and analytical abilities (even before the courses start) are considered crucial to students’ learning, while teachers question the importance of their pedagogy. The thesis also discover two types of instruction; a large group putting emphasis on the syntax of programming languages, and a smaller group putting emphasis on the students’ experiences of learning concepts of computer science (not necessarily to do with syntax). In summary the thesis depicts an instructional tradition based on teachers’ beliefs where the historical development of the subject sets the framework for the teaching. Directly and indirectly the historical development and related traditions govern what programming teachers in upper secondary school will/are able to present to their students. From deploying two theoretical approaches, phenomenography and logic of events, upon teacher’s cases it is shown that the intended object of learning (iOoL) is shaped by the teacher’s intentions (e.g., balancing the importance oftheory and practice, using different learning strategies, encouraging learning by trial-and-error and fostering collaboration between students for a deeper understanding). The teachers also present a diverse picture regarding what theoretical knowledge students will reach for.
|
|
| 9. |
- Bosk, Daniel, et al.
(author)
-
When Flying Blind, Bring a Co-pilot : Informal Peer Observation and Cooperative Teaching during Remote Teaching
- 2021
-
In: Annual Conference on Innovation and Technology in Computer Science Education, ITiCSE. - New York, NY, USA : Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). ; , s. 611-612
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The shift to meeting students online has made traditional forms of interaction difficult or impossible to replicate. In response, we suggest that teachers become co-pilots for each other: joining lectures and extending the abilities of a solo teacher. By doing so, there are clear and distinct benefits for students, the teacher, and the co-pilot, with almost no barrier to entry and very little preparation required. Whilst there is a time cost, we feel this is well spent and acts as a gateway to more established pedagogical practices, such as peer observation and cooperative teaching.
|
|
| 10. |
- Brink, Suzanne, et al.
(author)
-
Assessing curriculum agility in a CDIO engineering education
- 2020
-
In: The 16th international CDIO conference. - Gothenburg, Sweden : Chalmers University of Technology. - 9789188041272 - 9789188041289 ; 1, s. 13-24
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Change and individualization are two aspects that are important in innovative higher education. In this paper, we argue for how the concept of curriculum agility can be used as a framework for engineering education that is able to meet societal, environmental, and technological challenges. To both anticipate and meet the needs of the rapidly changing world, engineering education needs to have an organization that allows for innovation, change, and adaptation, with the capacity to respond within a (much) shorter timeframe than traditionally seen in higher education. The structure and processes of such organizations should include the time needed to establish and decommission new educational programmes, and the flexibility within the programmes. The CDIO's Curriculum Agility Working Group has defined seven principles for curriculum agility and has analysed how these relate to the CDIO Standards. This paper describes how the principles can provide guidance on both a curricular and institutional level. The principles are mapped against the CDIO Standards, relating to what is required for an agile curriculum, in order to indicate how the Standards can be utilized to assess the flexibility and agility of educational programmes.
|
|
