Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Ohio University, 2022, Curriculum and Instruction (Education)

This dissertation explored the systemic factors influencing learners' technology outcomes in a teacher preparation program, specifically addressing technology fluency and the ability to integrate technology into instruction. Using a combination of grounded theory and qualitative program evaluation, this study identified the scope, contexts, and systems of influence and control that have an impact on technology skills development for teacher candidates. Using backward design, this study mapped the learning experiences of teacher candidates, identifying key contributors of technology skills development within the program. Using this analysis, a conceptual framework outlining the flow of systemic influences was created, and a data collection tool was developed to quantify the technology fluency and disposition of program faculty. These tools can be used to identify and evaluate a teacher preparation program's technology outcomes, and evaluate the technology abilities of program staff. Through qualitative interviews, this tool was used to identify the overall temperament toward technology within the program and identify areas in which improvements could be made. Recommendations were made for the specific program in the final chapter.

Committee: Frans Doppen (Committee Chair); Sara Helfrich (Committee Member); Sara Hartman (Committee Member); Greg Kessler (Committee Member) Subjects: Adult Education; Curricula; Curriculum Development; Education; Education Policy; Educational Evaluation; Educational Leadership; Educational Software; Educational Technology; Elementary Education; Higher Education Administration; Information Technology; Instructional Design; Organization Theory; Organizational Behavior; Pedagogy; Preschool Education; Reading Instruction; School Administration; Secondary Education; Special Education; Teacher Education; Teaching; Technology

EdD, University of Cincinnati, 2014, Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services: Urban Educational Leadership

This qualitative research study examined three teachers' self-efficacy development through lived experiences from pre-service through their first year teaching. Utilizing a multi-subject case study approach (Yin, 2003), the study explored what and how various experiences influenced three teachers' efficacy. Building upon the work of Bandura (1977, 1993) and Guskey (1988), Johnson (2010) described efficacious teachers as “resourceful, cause-and-effect thinkers who persist when things do not go smoothly and persevere in the face of setbacks” (p. 23). Previous research reports that teacher efficacy has powerful effects on teacher behaviors, and that the years during training may offer valuable exposure to efficacy-forming experiences (Johnson, 2010). Findings of this study indicate participants' past experiences and training in their preparation played a critical role in self-efficacy development. Secondly, an important objective of teacher education training is grounded in its program's mission and instructors' curriculum implementation. As such, both areas must be accomplished with fidelity to support beginning teachers' capacity to bridge the gap in understanding how theoretical ideas may be manipulated for practical use during instructional delivery. Additional research findings underscore the critical need for PK-16 educators and other stakeholders to acknowledge and address how beliefs and attitudes about diverse groups influence the quality of their education. With regard to these findings, the study discusses implications for teacher education programs, acknowledging the responsibilities stakeholders assume in training teacher candidates. As such, future research should utilize longitudinal studies and qualitative approaches to explore how teacher candidates' experiences in training influence self-efficacy development and teaching sustainability. Additionally, further research into gaining a deeper understanding of how different motivations to teach (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Holly Johnson Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Carlee Escue Ph.D. (Committee Member); Susan Watts Taffe Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Teacher Education