Scholarship & Research
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Item Teacher confidence and classroom practices: a case study on science identity(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Letters & Science, 2021) Bowers, Alison Taylor; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Greg FrancisThis study examined the relationship between students' science identity and their teacher's science teacher identity, as well as the influence of teacher confidence and understanding of Next Generation Science Standards and three-dimensional science teaching and learning on science teacher identity. Teacher and student surveys were used to evaluate correlation, while observations and interviews were used to understand the relationship between teacher confidence and science teacher identity. Results showed that there is little correlation between strong science teacher identity and strong student science identity, but there is a relationship between teachers' understanding of Next Generation science teaching and learning and overall science teacher identity. Teachers who have a solid background in science content knowledge and science pedagogy, especially three-dimensional science teaching based on the framework for the Next Generation Science Standards, tend to better see themselves as science teachers.Item Classroom climate in a rural school context: reflection, modification, and improvement in the science classroom(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Letters & Science, 2018) Kessler, Aaron William; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Greg FrancisWhen the tardy bell rings and the door closes behind the last student, a very peculiar thing happens. In an age that promotes complete and total connectivity, classrooms are very often being ran in isolation. Only during passing periods or time outside of the teacher/students class periods do conversations regarding student behavior, best practices and classroom climate take place amongst the teachers. This study was an attempt to modify this common occurrence and challenge teachers to learn from their peers during the most critical part of the school day, the time teachers and students were interacting during class time. Instructors observed their own students in different settings, commonly exhibiting different strengths and weaknesses academically, socially and behaviorally. Observing teachers learned from other teacher's good instructional strategies as well as learned from watching poor teaching strategies. Professional conversations regarding what happened during each aspect of the class period were held. Teachers collaboratively identified what works and what needs to be modified to work better. The results of the surveys that were given to the participating teachers indicated that for the first time in many of their careers, they feel that they had an honest assessment of their classroom climate as well as new strategies and teaching methods that could transform their teaching.Item The effects of teacher collaboration on students' understanding of high school earth science concepts(Montana State University - Bozeman, Graduate School, 2011) Wigglesworth, Matt; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Peggy Taylor.Teacher collaboration has been widely implemented in the secondary school setting as an integral component within a professional learning community in an effort to increase student achievement and to foster a better working environment for teachers. The effects of teacher collaboration on both students and teachers of Earth science in a high school environment were investigated in this project. Particularly, the project examined the effects of collaboration of Earth science teachers on student understanding, student motivation, and teacher motivation. Earth science teachers collaborated on instructional strategies that included student labs and subsequent formal reports. The materials that were evaluated by a collaborative team were then used to measure how collaboration impacts students and teachers in the classroom. A comparison of a unit that was taught without guidance from collaborative members was made with two units of instruction that implemented materials that were evaluated by a collaborative team. Pre and postunit assessments, concept interviews, and surveys were used to evaluate student understanding. Additional data was collected through teacher interviews and teacher journals to assess student motivation. My own level of motivation and that of my cohorts was evaluated through my journal and observations made by my administrator. Results indicated that student understanding and teacher motivation increased, while the results on student motivation were mixed. The data showed a large gain in student understanding as a result of collaboration on instruction, whereas the level of student motivation was deemed negligible. Teachers in the collaborative group were observed to have increased levels of motivation as a result of the group's collaborative efforts. The project was an enhancement of my own level of motivation as well.