The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study is to explore how novice elementary teachers in the southern United States describe the role of spontaneous and conscious decision-making to influence their instructional practice. Two research questions were developed using the cognitive experiential self-theory and decision-making theory which…

This study investigates teachers' understanding of how conversations between colleagues can promote the development of knowledge. Its purpose is to supplement previous research in the field of knowledge processes in respect of conversation as an integral part of teachers' everyday work. On the basis of interview data obtained from teachers in a…

As organizations seek to provide meaningful professional learning opportunities, research has emerged to support the development of learning cultures that move beyond isolated learning experiences. An essential component of professional learning is reflective practice which occur at both the individual (Schon, 1983) and collective (Day, 1993)…

The purpose of this dissertation is to provide a personalized narrative of one science teacher's use of reflexive teaching as an agent of change. This dissertation is about a journey of change in instruction fostered by a change of identity as a science teacher, using the butterfly cycle as a metaphor. This dissertation narrates the identity…

We examined changes in how mathematics coaches facilitated debriefing conversations after learning about a debrief conversational structure we created based on the principles of our content-focused coaching model. We compared participant coaches' first debriefing conversation, which occurred prior to learning about the debrief conversational…

With increased emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion in teacher preparation, there is a need for efficient instruments to support survey research of teachers' equity-oriented preparation. This article describes the development and initial validation of the Teacher Preparation for Equity Scale, a broad measure of teacher perceptions…

The impetus for this article was a university-school research project (Teaching Perimeter and Area in a Primary Classroom) and it was while working with Lani, a Year 4 teacher, that the role of reflection both 'in and on' her practice (Schön, 1983) became evident. Lani was subsequently interviewed about her reflective practices and the new…

This paper presents the results of a Q-sort activity in which 38 grades 4-10 mathematics teachers reflected on their classroom teaching and ranked a set of teaching actions that support high-leverage mathematics teaching from most to least characteristic of their classroom teaching. Data analysis included examining the overall ranking of each…

Low levels of academic success for primary grade students attending rural schools located in the southern region of the United States may be related to student resilience. Researchers have found that educators can support the development of students' resilience, which can result in improved academic success, but little is known about how teachers…

This ethnographic study explores teacher experiences with vocabulary instruction, specifically as it relates to oral language-use and literacy practices. Utilizing an integrated compilation of cognitive, socio-cultural and poststructural theory, this study looks at teacher perspectives in relation to their experiences with language and literacy…

Curricular and pedagogical reforms are complex inter-linked processes such that curricular reform can only be enacted through teachers teaching differently. This article reports the perspective of emergent Malaysian primary teachers who were expected to implement a Government reform that promoted active learning. The 120 student teachers were…

Gordon Wells (2001) states that policy makers and educational planners believe there is a crisis in public education. These individuals talk about improving the "delivery of a standardized education" (p. 172) and creating nation-wide assessments that ensure particular outcomes. On the other hand, Wells (2001) discusses academic…

This comparative case study analyzed two styles of coaching, team and individual, and the perceived impact each style has on instructional practices. This study was conducted in two elementary schools that are part of the same charter organization in California. The study identified the challenges and benefits of each style through interviews with…

This article describes the challenges associated with outcomes-based education reform as experienced by two novice elementary teachers. Interviews with the teachers provide insights into the tensions between their teaching beliefs and the practices employed in their local contexts. Specifically, pressures to both focus on standardized measures of…

The building of professional learning communities has been widely recognized as an effective strategy for schools wanting to improve student performance and enhance teachers' professional capacity. This study explored the relationship between leadership practices and professional learning communities, with a particular focus on the mediating role…