ERIC Number: EJ1052482
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011-Mar
Pages: 21
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1307-9298
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Implementing a Science-Based Interdisciplinary Curriculum in the Second Grade: A Community of Practice in Action
Park Rogers, Meredith
International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education, v3 n2 p83-103 Mar 2011
The purpose of this study was to explore the role that a collaborative teaching approach, referred to as a community of practice (CoP), had on a team of four second grade teachers' implementation of a science-based interdisciplinary curriculum. Data was collected in the form of extensive observation notes gathered over 10-weeks of twice weekly team meetings and two 45 minute interviews with each participant. From the field notes developed two vignettes for the purpose of illustrating the members CoP in action. Combining my analysis of the vignettes and the interviews resulted in three emergent themes: 1) benefits, 2) contributions, and 3) their commitment to professional development. From this study I learned that establishing a CoP was viewed as a necessary component of the team's implementation of their science-based interdisciplinary curriculum. Implications for encouraging preservice and inservice elementary teachers to develop CoPs to support science teaching, specifically interdisciplinary teaching, are discussed.
Descriptors: Elementary School Teachers, Grade 2, Teacher Collaboration, Communities of Practice, Science Instruction, Interdisciplinary Approach, Observation, Interviews, Vignettes, Faculty Development, Case Studies, Principals, Teacher Background, Staff Meetings, Content Analysis
International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education. T&K Akademic Rosendalsvein 45, Oslo 1166, Norway. e-mail: iejee@iejee.com; Web site: http://www.iejee.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Grade 2; Primary Education; Early Childhood Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A