ERIC Number: EJ807420
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2004
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1940-4476
EISSN: N/A
Young Adolescent Voices: Students' Perceptions of Interdisciplinary Teaming
Boyer, Susan J.; Bishop, Penny A.
RMLE Online: Research in Middle Level Education, v28 n1 p1-19 2004
Interdisciplinary teaming in middle schools has increased dramatically over the past few decades (McEwin, Dickinson & Jensen, 2003); nevertheless, students have rarely been consulted as important sources of insight into this practice (Dickinson & Erb, 1997) of two or more teachers sharing the responsibility for instruction, curriculum, and assessment of a common group of students (NMSA, 1995). The purpose of this study was to describe and analyze young adolescents' perceptions of effective interdisciplinary teaming. Qualitative methods were employed to describe, analyze, and interpret the perceptions of 77 middle level students from three middle schools. A multi-genre approach was used to represent the findings, including analytic writing, student-produced photographs, narrative vignette, and poetic transcription. Findings indicated that students felt like trusted members of a community, viewing themselves as self-disciplined and self-directed learners. Students perceived themselves to be growing in confidence, independence, and tolerance, gaining leadership and collaborative skills, and belonging to a family. Data indicate that when schools are organized to support multi-year teams, and when students are invited to collaborate in team governance and learning, many students report positive personal growth. (Contains 1 table.)
Descriptors: Middle Schools, Student Attitudes, Early Adolescents, Teaching Methods, Interdisciplinary Approach, Teamwork, Attitude Measures, Student Participation, Self Esteem, Leadership Training, Cooperation, Governance, Participative Decision Making, Student Development, Democratic Values, Social Values
National Middle School Association. 4151 Executive Parkway Suite 300, Westerville, OH 43081. Tel: 800-528-6672; Tel: 800-528-6672; Fax: 614-895-4750; e-mail: info@nmsa.org; Web site: http://www.nmsa.org/Publications/RMLEOnline/Articles/tabid/101/Default.aspx
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Middle Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A