Perceived Training Needs of Regular and Special Education Student Teachers in the Area of Mainstreaming

The present study sought to identify training needs of prospective teachers in the area of mainstreaming, and to determine whether special and regular education student teachers perceive a need for training in a common core of competencies. Subjects were 400 teachers in training who had finished their teaching practicum. Responses to a 53‐item competency questionnaire revealed that both groups indicated a need for additional training in several similar areas, including communication, classroom management, evaluation, and professional knowledge, needs also identified in the literature for practising teachers. Special education student teachers, however, expressed the need for more extensive training in a range of specific skills in these competency clusters. Implications of these Findings for teacher preparation programs are discussed.     

Competency Maps: an Effective Model to Integrate Professional Competencies Across a STEM Curriculum

Curricula designed in the context of the European Higher Education Area need to be based on both domain-specific and professional competencies. Whereas universities have had extensive experience in developing students’ domain-specific competencies, fostering professional competencies poses a new challenge we need to face. This paper presents a model to globally develop professional competencies in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) degree program, and assesses the results of its implementation after 4 years. The model is based on the use of competency maps, in which each competency is defined in terms of competency units. Each competency unit is described by a set of expected learning outcomes at three domain levels. This model allows careful analysis, revision, and iteration for an effective integration of professional competencies in domain-specific subjects. A global competency map is also designed, including all the professional competency learning outcomes to be achieved throughout the degree. This map becomes a useful tool for curriculum designers and coordinators. The results were obtained from four sources: (1) students’ grades (classes graduated from 2013 to 2016, the first 4 years of the new Bachelor’s Degree in Informatics Engineering at the Barcelona School of Informatics); (2) students’ surveys (answered by students when they finished the degree); (3) the government employment survey, where former students evaluate their satisfaction of the received training in the light of their work experience; and (4) the Everis Foundation University-Enterprise Ranking, answered by over 2000 employers evaluating their satisfaction regarding their employees’ university training, where the Barcelona School of Informatics scores first in the national ranking. The results show that competency maps are a good tool for developing professional competencies in a STEM degree.     

The competencies needed for teaching hearing-impaired students. A comparison of elementary and secondary school teacher perceptions

Many hearing-impaired students demonstrate difficulty in academically measuring up to their hearing peers. The deficiencies become especially obvious during their secondary school years. This study surveyed a national sample of elementary and secondary level teachers of the hearing impaired to compare their perceptions of the competencies needed to work with hearing-impaired students. The results suggest that teachers at both levels believe that some skills are fundamental for all teachers of the hearing-impaired, regardless of the age level of the students. However, the data also suggest there are some important differences. Concerns about state certification procedures and current practices in teacher training programs are discussed.     

“We’re Not Just Interested in the Work”: Social and Emotional Aspects of Early Educator Mentoring Relationships

The purpose of this study was to explore how often 159 practicing teachers enrolled in a university Master's degree principal preparation program observed their mentor principals model the four mandated Texas standards‐based instructional leadership competencies for the principalship. The competencies focus on leadership through curriculum and planning, nurturing and sustaining the instructional program, implementing a staff evaluation plan and applying decision‐making skills. Findings on the four competencies ranged from a high of 59.1% to a low of only 44.7% of the participants who indicated that they observed their mentor principals modeling these four competencies at least ‘usually.’     

Newly Qualified Primary Teachers: a comparative analysis of perceptions held by B.Ed. and PGCE trained teachers of their training routes

Two cohorts of newly qualified primary teachers (NQTs) beginning their careers in one LEA in England responded to two questionnaires which were designed to elicit their views about their preparation to meet the demands of their first post, their concerns about doing so and, 20 weeks into post, the nature of the demands they had experienced. The structure of the research sample allowed detailed comparative analyses to be made of the perceptions held by B.Ed. and PGCE trained teachers of their training routes and early experiences. Aspects of the training are identified which fall within the competency demands of Circular 14/93 on which NQTs feel underprepared. These represent areas where career entry support is required. Overall, students following the B.Ed. programme felt that they were better prepared than their PGCE counterparts. They also reported experiencing lower levels of stress.     

The effects of a competency‐oriented learning environment and tutor feedback on students’ reflection skills

This study investigates the effects of a competency‐oriented course and the effects of feedback training on students’ reflection skills. Thirty‐one nursing students enrolled in a conventional course with lectures and assignments following a traditional test. Subsequently, they enrolled in a competency‐oriented course, which included more performance‐oriented tasks based on competencies and a performance‐based assessment. In both courses, half of the students received feedback on their assignments from tutors who were trained in feedback skills (experimental group), while the other half of the students received feedback from non‐trained tutors (control group). After each course, all students wrote a reflection report. Results show that students’ reflection reports after the competency‐oriented course were of a higher quality than the reports after the conventional course. Contrary to our expectations, the quality of the reflection reports of the control group (students supervised by non‐trained tutors) was significantly higher than the quality of reflection reports of the experimental group (students supervised by trained tutors). This study shows that a competency‐oriented design of courses enhances students’ reflection skills, but that the training in feedback skills needs to be reconsidered.     

聋校教师的专业素质研究

本研究采用问卷法对全国6所聋校90名教师的专业素质进行了调查,结果发现：（1）聋校教师的学历基本合格,但明显缺乏特殊教育或学科教育（数学、语文）的职前专业培训,同时继续学历教育未能紧密结合聋校教学实践的现实需要;（2）聋校教师的学科素养不理想,表现为50.0%的数学教师不清楚算术应用题的基本类型,32.4%的数学老师不了解聋生解答算术应用题的特点,28.5%的语文教师不了解辅助阅读的四种手段,38.1%的语文教师不了解聋生使用辅助阅读手段的特点。     

Teachers and artificial intelligence. The Logo connection

This article describes a three-phase program for training special education teachers to teach Logo and artificial intelligence. Logo is derived from the LISP computer language and is relatively simple to learn and use, and it is argued that these factors make it an ideal tool for classroom experimentation in basic artificial intelligence concepts. The program trains teachers to develop simple demonstrations of artificial intelligence using Logo. The material that the teachers learn to teach is suitable as an advanced level topic for intermediate- through secondary-level students enrolled in computer competency or similar courses. The material emphasizes problem-solving and thinking skills using a nonverbal expressive medium (Logo), thus it is deemed especially appropriate for hearing-impaired children. It is also sufficiently challenging for academically talented children, whether hearing or deaf. Although the notion of teachers as programmers is controversial, Logo is relatively easy to learn, has direct implications for education, and has been found to be an excellent tool for empowerment-for both teachers and children.     

Enthusiasm vs. experience in mentoring: a comparison of turkish novice and experienced teachers in fulfilling supervisory roles

his study investigates how trainee teachers perceive their supervising teachers’ supervisory competency. Through a questionnaire that was specifically developed for this study and which contained open-ended questions, student teacher candidates were asked to comment on their supervising teachers’ competency in preparation for supervision, instructional planning and reflection, and collegial supervision and effective mentoring. Data for this study was gathered from 690 student teachers who were in their last year in college pursuing a teaching credential. The results indicated that the student teachers rated their supervising teachers’ competency in supervision as poor to partially competent. Although there is no significant relation found between the gender and fulfillment of supervisory duties, the main significant finding was between supervising teachers’ experience in teaching and completion of the supervisory role. The results showed that the younger or less experienced supervising teachers demonstrated better supervisory skills. Furthermore, our results indicated that although experience is important, it should not be the only criterion for selecting supervising teachers for supervisory duty.     

Essential competencies for teaching students with hearing loss and additional disabilities

The purpose of this national study was to establish an initial database of the essential competencies needed for working with students who are deaf or hard of hearing with additional disabilities. Surveys were sent to program supervisors across the United States; each supervisor was asked to give the survey to a professional on his or her staff who worked with students who were deaf or hard of hearing with additional disabilities. Respondents indicated that there were 67 specific competencies needed for working with this diverse population of students. A list of the specific competencies and a rationale for providing more in-depth training for teachers is provided.     

Adult Basic Education Teacher Competencies: Implications for Community Colleges

Abstract

This study examines previous studies concerned with Adult Basic Education (ABE) teacher competencies to corroborate their findings and to discuss the competencies in relation to their implications for ABE teacher training where the community college is the agency responsible for the administration of ABE programs.

Adult Basic Education teachers and administrators in five New England states were asked to rate 17 areas of teacher competency as derived from Mocker (1974). Five exploratory hypotheses of no difference between the two groups were postulated and analyzed using t tests. A sixth hypothesis of no difference in ranking of the competencies was also postulated and analyzed via the Spearman Rho.

No significant differences were revealed in analysis, thus supporting Mocker's findings. Implications of the findings for training community college teachers of ABE are then discussed in the context of relating training objectives to validated competencies.     

A Model for Mentorship in Nurse Teacher Preparation

Abstract

This article focuses on a model for mentorship developed from the experiences of two nurse teachers as they took on the roles of mentor and student during a Post‐Graduate Certificate of Education course, in preparation for teaching student nurses within a college of nursing and midwifery. The dynamic nature of the relationship and the teachers’ experiences resulted In the development of a ‘model for mentorship’, which can be identified as a cyclic process, to be utilised in any student‐mentor relationship. The discussion revolves around the course structure, theories of mentorship, the development of the model itself, and finally, how the model was applied in practice. The course itself revolved around the achievement of competencies and the article explores how these were utilised as a primary learning tool. The value and appreciation of such a competency‐based course is highlighted and reflected upon In the final review.     

Development of a competency model and tailored assessment method for high school science teachers utilizing a flipped learning approach

Many professional development programs aim to improve student outcomes by enhancing teacher competencies. Effective evaluation of these programs requires a clear delineation of the competencies to be gained. A competency model was developed to evaluate the impact of a teacher professional program that aimed to improve teachers’ ability to effectively implement technologically engaged modules in a flipped classroom setting. Competencies were identified via participatory evaluation techniques and assessments were aligned to the competencies. The competency of teachers in the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for creation and delivery of effective flipped lessons can be tracked using a radar graph to guide tailored professional development.

     

The development and initial validation of a questionnaire of inclusive teachers’ competency for meeting special educational needs in regular classrooms in China

The aim of this study was to develop and validate an instrument of inclusive teachers’ competencies for teaching students with special educational needs in China. Data were obtained from a preliminary and large-scale investigation in Beijing. The primary analyses included exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. The findings indicated that Chinese inclusive teachers’ competency is underpinned by four factors: teaching and instruction; communication and cooperation; attitudes and beliefs; and reflection and development. The four-factor model was obtained with satisfactory reliability and validity. The validated questionnaire generated a theoretical understanding of inclusive education teachers’ competency in China. In addition, the findings of the study provided knowledge that will allow for the development of professional standards and teacher education programmes for inclusive education.     

提升教师ICT能力驱动教师专业发展--UNESCO《教师ICT能力框架(第3版)》要点与思考

联合国教科文组织在修订以往《教师ICT能力框架》的基础上,对标《2030年可持续发展目标》,制定了囊括18项教育ICT能力的《教师ICT能力框架(第3版)》。作为指导教师使用ICT的职前和在职培训工具,很多国家和机构结合当地实际对该框架内容进行了调整,以便实现教师专业发展目标。本研究采用内容分析和文本分析方法,梳理了联合国教科文组织《教师ICT能力框架》的演变脉络,从能力框架开发原则、内容架构、实施案例和资源开发三个维度,深入解读这一能力框架,并提出落实能力框架,需要政府、师范院校、在职教师专业发展机构、骨干教师和校长的强有力领导。构建符合我国国情的教师信息技术应用能力框架,要出台基于“循证实践”的教师信息技术应用能力提升政策;利用智能技术助推课程动态评估;加强教育资源生态系统整体建设;分层制定科学的教师ICT能力提升计划。     

Effects of a rubric for mathematical reasoning on teaching and learning in primary school

Rubrics are assessment tools that help students gain complex competencies. Our quasi-experimental study aimed to evaluate whether rubrics help teachers teach and assess mathematical reasoning in primary school and whether such an instrument might support student learning. In two Swiss cantons, 762 students in 44 5th- and 6th-grade primary classes worked on their reasoning competencies, and half of them additionally employed our standards-based rubric. All of the teachers received a 1-day training and participated in the final project evaluation. To standardise and support the teachers during the implementation phase, they received a detailed curriculum. An achievement test and questionnaires for students and teachers were administered before and at the end of the intervention. The results of our quantitative longitudinal analyses indicate that the rubric fosters the teachers’ perceived diagnostic skills but only indirectly impacts their use of formative feedback. Based on the students’ perceptions, however, we observed a direct effect of the rubric on formative feedback and student self-assessment. Effects on students’ outcomes could not be observed, but there are indications of effects mediated by self-regulation and self-efficacy.     

Training inservice teachers' competencies in classroom management. A quasi-experimental study with teachers of secondary schools

The current study evaluated the effectiveness of a training program for inservice secondary school teachers in classroom management. In a non-randomized pre-post-design, 19 teachers participated in a newly developed training (the intervention group) and 18 teachers participated in a control training (the control group). All participants reported better knowledge of classroom management after training. However, hypothesized positive effects on teachers' competencies and increased student engagement occurred only in the intervention group. These findings are supported by participants' reported high subjective validity of the training. Further research is needed to study sustainability of the observed effects.     

Professors' and teachers' views of competencies necessary for mainstreaming

College professors' and classroom teachers' views of competencies necessary for mainstreaming were compared for II categories of competencies (75 competencies in all). The results indicate that teachers attach more importance to the set of competencies than do professors; there were significant differences between the two groups on approximately one-third of the items. In all cases, the teachers thought the competency was more important than did the professors. Means of the II categories were rankordered for both groups. Differences in rank were nonexistent or slight for most of the items. The three items on which there was a four-point difference in rank were: goalsetting and curriculum development (viewed as more important by the professors), and communication and assessing students' needs (viewed as more important by the teachers).     

基于教师胜任力发展的师资培训效果实证评估

师资培训能否促进教师胜任力发展是评估其效果的重要维度。基于教师胜任力发展视角,选取福建省职业教育师资培训作为个案,并从中总结凝练可资借鉴的经验。以效果评估为手段,不断提升师资培训质量;以教师胜任力发展为目标导向,注重师资培训后的跟踪考查;以突出专业针对性为保障,提高培训课程结构和教师发展需求结构的匹配度。     

Perceptions of Social Adjustment of Hearing-Impaired Pupils in an Integrated Secondary School Unit

The aim of this case study was to investigate issues surrounding the social inclusion of hearing-impaired pupils within a mainstream comprehensive school in a large northern city. The study focused on the four hearing-impaired pupils in Years 8 and 10. Year 7, Year 9 and Year 11 pupils, were omitted on the grounds that they were relatively new to the school (Year 7) or were involved in external examinations (Years 9 and 11). Sociometric questionnaires were completed by the hearing-impaired pupils and their form-group peers. Interviews were carried out with the hearing-impaired pupils, with their form-group peers identified as popular (sociometrically), and with those identified as having few friends. Form tutors and mainstream subject teachers of the hearing-impaired pupils were also interviewed. The data collected suggested that these hearing-impaired pupils were not particularly well integrated socially with their hearing peers. The sociometric data showed the hearing-impaired pupils to be of low status within friendship groups. Interview data from pupils suggested that the hearing-impaired young people's social experience was very akin to that of those children with very low sociometric status, and very unlike that of the 'popular' pupils, those with the highest sociometric status. Of note was the belief of popular pupils that the role of friendship--and the role of communication in establishing and maintaining friendship--was crucial to their happiness in school. Interview data from mainstream teachers suggested that they had little relevant knowledge of the personal concepts and social experiences of hearing-impaired pupils. Recommendations are made to improve the social skills of the hearing-impaired young people, and to foster a greater degree of peer-group support, with some adaptations to their curriculum to stress social learning and communication skills.