Faculty of Education - Theses
Permanent URI for this collection
Search Results
1 - 5 of 5
-
ItemA cross-age comparative investigation of students' attitudes towards computers as a tool to support learning in years 7-12 science classes( 2000)This thesis documents a cross-age comparative investigation of students' attitudes towards computers as a tool to support learning in Years 7 - 12 science classes. The study was set at the secondary school campus of an independent girls' school in Victoria. The secondary school is broken into three relatively autonomous groups, the Junior Secondary School (JSS), the Middle School (MS) and the Senior School (SS). Data was collected by a survey administered to 1215 students in Years 7 -12 science classes. Results of the survey were analysed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and post hoc Bonferonni analyses. This study aimed to investigate the ways computers are used in science classes. Word processing and the internet were the most common computer uses across the school. A comparison of students in JSS, MS and SS's preferred frequency of use of computers in science classes was undertaken. JSS students preferred to use their computers more frequently in science classes when compared to MS and SS students. An investigation of the uses of computers in science classes that students found beneficial to their learning of science concepts was undertaken and compared across the three school groups. Students' attitudes towards computers as tools to support learning in the science classroom was investigated. The majority of students in all school groups felt the computer was a beneficial support for learning when completing assignment work and was a beneficial tool for presentation. However, it depended on the number of years of computer experience in science classes as to whether students felt the computer was of benefit to their learning of theory or practical work. Aspects of computer use at school in general, that students liked or disliked was determined. The stage of the curriculum that students were currently in, was the major determinant for the students' attitudes towards the use of computers as a support for learning.
-
ItemAn investigation of change through one school's involvement in the early literacy research project( 2000)This study closely monitored one small rural school's involvement in the Early Literacy Research Project (ELRP) in order to ascertain the critical players in effecting sustained change. The literature endorses the sustainability of change within systems if it is embodied within an effective design. The ELRP used the Hill & Crevola (1997) Whole-School Design for Effective Schooling as a framework for implementing changes in literacy teaching practice. This thesis investigated, through the collection of evidence, both quantitative and qualitative, the implementation of a structured classroom literacy program set within a design model, that predicted improved literacy outcomes. This study focused on three of the nine elements within the design model, namely the multi-dimensional approach to professional development, the professional learning team as a critical vehicle in maintaining the momentum of change and the impact of changed literacy teaching on improved student literacy outcomes. This thesis identified the structures, processes and people that combined to effect sustained change. This small case study produced a substantial quantity of research data that included interviews, reflective journals, observation and surveys. Importantly, this case study used the quantitative student performance data collated as part of the ELRP to support the finding of improved student literacy outcomes. The outcome of the investigation conducted within the context of a school literacy program, supports the proposition that successful and effective change recognises the multi-dimensional characteristics of organisational change management. This study used the nine dimensions of the Hill & Crevola whole-school design as a framework for discussing the change processes observed.
-
ItemAn examination of multicultural perspectives in art education, and their contribution to a just, tolerant and creative society( 2000)Contemporary art curriculum guidelines in Australia, both at national and state levels, state that study in the Arts must gives students access to the cultural diversity in their immediate community and the broader Australian and international context. As well, the principles of gender equity and equal opportunity for students from all ethnic, socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds have been incorporated. These statements appear to reflect multicultural perspectives, in promoting an equitable, harmonious, and innovative society (Stuhr, 1991; Sleeter and Grant, 1991). However, critics such as Rizvi (1994) contend that these directives are seldom reflected in the art program in most schools. In this thesis, I have examined the potential of art education to implement these aims, and assumptions regarding the desirability of this outcome. To this end, I have investigated the ideas that underpin this kind of multicultural awareness. These theories direct their focus towards democratic teaching methods, and recommend an art curriculum and teaching practices which encourage students to become active social critics through the arts. To this end, I discuss ways in which teachers and students might explore and analyse the ways in which the arts affect attitudes and relationships of power, and the contributions to be made by a study of Australia's diversity. 1 have also compared the proposals of the many educational theorists whose ideas have been explored with those in the CSF for the Arts. To assist this evaluation, I have also conducted a small field research study in a number of secondary schools in the south-eastern metropolitan area of Melbourne, to establish whether the art teachers interviewed understood and implemented the aims of multiculturalism. On the basis of this comparison, proposals have been outlined for a focus on social justice and appreciation of difference.
-
ItemLearning styles and success in first year engineering( 2000)This paper explores some of the problems facing engineering education in Australia today. It postulates that a solution to the decline in academic quality and increasing diversity of students entering Bachelor of Engineering programs may be found in the application of learning theory and changes to the learning environment designed to more adequately accommodate student learning preferences. A survey of first year engineering students at Monash University (Victoria) suggests that there may be a mismatch in several dimensions between student learning preferences and the predominant teaching style. A subsequent pilot study using the 4MAT Learning Type Measure to obtain more detailed student learning profiles, suggests that amongst students with similar tertiary entrance scores, those with mismatched learning preferences may be at greater risk of poor academic performance.
-
ItemJapanese volunteer in a country school: maximising the benefits( 2000)This research arose from a need to understand the experience of Japanese Native Speaker Assistant volunteers (JNSAs) in Victorian country primary schools, so as to provide data on which all participants can draw in making improvements to the conduct and outcomes of future programs. The research questions are: 1. What is the experience? 2. How could it be made more valuable for all concerned? The research is centred on four Japanese women who volunteered to work in country schools for varying lengths of stay - 6 weeks to 9 months. The schools vary in size from 20 students to over 700 students and the volunteers vary in age and experience. A qualitative research framework was adopted incorporating on-site observations, questionnaires and interviews. Outcomes show that all programs were successful but some were more successful than others. Factors facilitating success are the setting of obtainable goals, a planned and integrated program, positive support from the Principal, acceptance into an active role throughout the school, and contact with many people. Finally, and most critically, there is the need for an energetic and capable mentor whom the volunteer can depend on for guidance and friendship.