Date of Award
2001
Document Type
Thesis
Publisher
Edith Cowan University
Degree Name
Bachelor of Education Honours
School
School of Education
Faculty
Faculty of Community Services, Education and Social Sciences
First Supervisor
Dr Tony Fetherston
Abstract
This study investigates the development of an instrument to measure teachers' constructivist practices in their classrooms. The Department of Education Curriculum Framework for Western Australia is based on a constructivist learning environment, and this study has sought to develop an instrument for exploring individual Western Australian teachers utilisation of a constructivist learning environment in their classrooms. While there are a number of studies relating to constructivist classroom practices, the literature review indicates that there is little research about actual practice in a Western Australian primary school context. The instrument was developed from an extensive review of the literature. Key theorists and their primary concepts were identified and tabulated, and from 24 key concepts defined, survey questions were developed. Various validity checks were performed, and in order to further improve and assess reliability, data was gathered from 36 teachers over 8 schools. Analysis of the pilot survey data suggests that the instrument developed is a valid and reliable tool for measuring teachers" constructivist practices in their classroom. The thesis concludes with recommendations for further research and suggested uses for the instrument.
Recommended Citation
Herlihy, B. (2001). The Development of a Valid and Reliable Instrument to Assess Constructivist Practices in Primary Classrooms. Edith Cowan University. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/910