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Teacher Expertise in Motion: A Theory of the Synergistic Gears That Shape and Sustain Teacher Expertise

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Date Issued:
2016
Summary:
This study explored the factors expert teachers reported as influences in the development and sustainment of their expertise as well as those that challenge it. Through one-on-one interviews with 15 expert teachers, the generated data were scrutinized using a grounded theory approach. The analysis protocol followed a multi-step process of three stages – exploration, amalgamation, and conceptualization. In each of those stages, the data were examined using a cyclical and recursive process of investigation-interpretationintegration- illustration. By the completion of the conceptualization stage, a theory was developed to describe the interdependence of the four influential factors that shape and sustain teacher expertise. Among the findings, the study revealed that both endogenous and exogenous elements are necessary to develop and sustain teacher expertise. The endogenous factors are more intrinsic and include energy (a teacher’s drive, commitment, and ability to extend past her/his comfort zone) and examination (reflection and goal-setting), while the exogenous factors are more environmental and include encouragement (the succor a teacher receives through collaboration and school leadership) and erudition (professional learning that influences a teacher’s knowledge and skills). The theory proposes that the evolution of expertise is neither chronological nor linear; rather, each of the four factors plays an integral role and is interconnected and synergistic with the others. In addition, when one or more influences is lacking or is compromised, expertise is impeded. Impedances represent the challenges the participants reported as their expertise evolved. These challenges interfere with their energy, examination, encouragement, or erudition and, ultimately, their expertise. Furthermore, a diagram depicting a quaternary gear system was created to illustrate teacher expertise in motion. This is especially relevant at a time when teacher quality is the prominent discourse in the field and at the forefront of educational policy. Understanding the interdependent factors that shape and sustain teacher expertise can inform pre-service teachers, developing and expert teachers, educational leaders, and decision-makers on the nuances of teacher expertise as a way to optimize teacher growth and maximize student success.
Title: Teacher Expertise in Motion: A Theory of the Synergistic Gears That Shape and Sustain Teacher Expertise.
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Name(s): Rodriguez, Christine N., author
Hyslop-Margison, Emery, Thesis advisor
Florida Atlantic University, Degree grantor
College of Education
Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
Type of Resource: text
Genre: Electronic Thesis Or Dissertation
Date Created: 2016
Date Issued: 2016
Publisher: Florida Atlantic University
Place of Publication: Boca Raton, Fla.
Physical Form: application/pdf
Extent: 245 p.
Language(s): English
Summary: This study explored the factors expert teachers reported as influences in the development and sustainment of their expertise as well as those that challenge it. Through one-on-one interviews with 15 expert teachers, the generated data were scrutinized using a grounded theory approach. The analysis protocol followed a multi-step process of three stages – exploration, amalgamation, and conceptualization. In each of those stages, the data were examined using a cyclical and recursive process of investigation-interpretationintegration- illustration. By the completion of the conceptualization stage, a theory was developed to describe the interdependence of the four influential factors that shape and sustain teacher expertise. Among the findings, the study revealed that both endogenous and exogenous elements are necessary to develop and sustain teacher expertise. The endogenous factors are more intrinsic and include energy (a teacher’s drive, commitment, and ability to extend past her/his comfort zone) and examination (reflection and goal-setting), while the exogenous factors are more environmental and include encouragement (the succor a teacher receives through collaboration and school leadership) and erudition (professional learning that influences a teacher’s knowledge and skills). The theory proposes that the evolution of expertise is neither chronological nor linear; rather, each of the four factors plays an integral role and is interconnected and synergistic with the others. In addition, when one or more influences is lacking or is compromised, expertise is impeded. Impedances represent the challenges the participants reported as their expertise evolved. These challenges interfere with their energy, examination, encouragement, or erudition and, ultimately, their expertise. Furthermore, a diagram depicting a quaternary gear system was created to illustrate teacher expertise in motion. This is especially relevant at a time when teacher quality is the prominent discourse in the field and at the forefront of educational policy. Understanding the interdependent factors that shape and sustain teacher expertise can inform pre-service teachers, developing and expert teachers, educational leaders, and decision-makers on the nuances of teacher expertise as a way to optimize teacher growth and maximize student success.
Identifier: FA00004660 (IID)
Degree granted: Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2016.
Collection: FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection
Note(s): Includes bibliography.
Subject(s): Effective teaching
Expertise
Performance -- Psychological aspects
Teacher educators
Teachers -- Training of
Teaching -- Psychological aspects
Held by: Florida Atlantic University Libraries
Sublocation: Digital Library
Links: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004660
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004660
Use and Reproduction: Copyright © is held by the author, with permission granted to Florida Atlantic University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
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Host Institution: FAU
Is Part of Series: Florida Atlantic University Digital Library Collections.