Most elementary schools adhere to a self-contained format to deliver student instruction. This case study explored the implementation of a nontraditional format typically used in middle and high schools known as departmentalized instruction. Twelve of 29 first through third grade teachers were asked by their administration to implement departmentalized instruction for a trial year. This study compares levels of perceived stress and morale in relation to job satisfaction between the departmentalized teachers and self-contained teachers within the same school. This case study utilized focus group interviews as well as data collected from pre-and post-surveys comprised of Likert-scaled items and open-ended questions. The survey responses informed the study about various dimensions of teacher morale and job satisfaction and the focus groups informed the study about departmentalized teachers' own comparison between the two models of instruction. Consistent with related literature, findings revealed departmentalized teachers experienced higher morale, lighter workload, and increased overall job satisfaction in comparison to self-contained teachers in the same school. Further, in comparison to their prior self-contained teaching experiences, departmentalized teachers overwhelmingly preferred the new structure.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) on academic performance of non-traditional students and perceived experiences of its recent graduates at a public state college in Georgia. A mixed-methods design was employed for data collection including (1) year-to-year retention rates of 480 SSS and non-SSS students, (2) three-year graduation rates and cumulative grade point averages of 2010–2013 and 2013–2016 cohorts and (3) two focus group interviews with eight 2016 SSS graduates. Significant differences were found in year-to-year retention rates and three-year graduation rates between SSS and non-SSS students. The graduates also reported that TRIO SSS assisted them in degree completion by offering (1) academic advisement, (2) degree planning, (3) development of self-confidence through motivation and mentorship, (4) academic resources and (5) a family-oriented environment. The results proved that TRIO SSS-assisted non-traditional students interacting with academic and social components of the institution, which helped to increase student retention and graduation rates.
PurposeThe lack of critical thinking in new graduates has been a concern to the nursing profession. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of an innovative, evidence-based skills fair intervention on nursing students' achievements and perceptions of critical thinking skills development.Design/methodology/approachThe explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was employed for this study.FindingsThe findings indicated participants perceived the intervention as a strategy for developing critical thinking.Originality/valueThe study provides educators helpful information in planning their own teaching practice in educating students.
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