ERIC Number: EJ958646
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0002-4805
EISSN: N/A
In-Service Professional Development and Constructivist Curriculum: Effects on Quality of Child Care, Teacher Beliefs, and Interactions
Howe, Nina; Jacobs, Ellen; Vukelich, Goranka; Recchia, Holly
Alberta Journal of Educational Research, v57 n4 p353-378 2011
The purpose of this study was to assess three methods of delivering in-service professional development regarding constructivist curriculum for early childhood educators. Educators in 44 not-for-profit child care centres in three Canadian cities were studied; 94 educators with formal preservice training participated. The three methods were (a) a consultant model, (b) workshops, and (c) a readings group. Global classroom quality was assessed with the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised ([ECERS-R], Harms, Clifford, & Cryer, 2005), educators were interviewed about their beliefs regarding curriculum, and modified running record observations of educator-child interactions (i.e., guidance, directives) were assessed before and after the 15-week intervention. Over time the consultant model was associated with an increase in guidance interaction (i.e., promoting children's learning and development). A number of findings related to site were evident for quality of child care and educator beliefs, and highlight the challenges associated with conducting multi-site research studies. Implications for providing in-service professional development regarding curriculum are discussed.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Constructivism (Learning), Rating Scales, Child Care, Inservice Teacher Education, Interaction, Teacher Attitudes, Beliefs, Preschool Teachers, Urban Schools, Teacher Student Relationship, Classroom Communication, Classroom Environment, Workshops, Consultants, Educational Quality, Instructional Effectiveness, Program Evaluation, Program Effectiveness, Teaching Methods, Interviews, Observation, Pretests Posttests, Comparative Analysis, Curriculum Implementation, Preschool Curriculum, Child Care Centers
University of Alberta, Faculty of Education. 845 Education Centre South, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G5, Canada. Tel: 780-492-7941; Fax: 780-492-0236; Web site: http://ajer.synergiesprairies.ca
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Adult Education; Early Childhood Education; Postsecondary Education; Preschool Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A