ERIC Number: EJ1196087
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018
Pages: 23
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1837-6290
EISSN: N/A
High-School Teachers' Experiences of Interdisciplinary Team Teaching
Kodkanon, Kanphitcha; Pinit, Pichet; Murphy, Elizabeth
Issues in Educational Research, v28 n4 p967-989 2018
The purpose of this study is to identify vocational teachers' experiences with interdisciplinary team teaching (ITT). Participants were five teachers from a science and technology-based vocational high school in Thailand. Qualitative data collection involved focus groups, interviews and observations. Findings were grouped into the following categories: teaching across disciplines; supportive and sharing relationships and roles; communication and decision-making; benefits; and challenges. Findings suggest that the interdisciplinary aspect may be achieved through engagement in project-based learning (PBL). The PBL approach can provide both a shared purpose and a framework and guidelines to support teachers' planning. Findings also point to the value of shared decision-making and leadership, and to the need for supportive relationships that take into consideration professional and personal issues. Implications relate to the need for open forms of communication that reflect trust, support and respect. Use of social media to support communication and collaboration should be accompanied by guidelines and rules established in advance by team members.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Secondary School Teachers, Vocational Education Teachers, Vocational High Schools, Interdisciplinary Approach, Team Teaching, Active Learning, Student Projects, Participative Decision Making, Collegiality
Western Australian Institute for Educational Research Inc. 5/202 Coode Street, Como, Western Australia 6152, Australia. e-mail: editor@iier.org.au; Web site: http://www.waier.org.au
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Secondary Education; High Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Thailand
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A