Award Date
August 2016
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Teaching and Learning
First Committee Member
Shaoan Zhang
Second Committee Member
Marilyn McKinney
Third Committee Member
LeAnn Putney
Fourth Committee Member
Elizabeth Spalding
Number of Pages
175
Abstract
This case study examines teacher learning and change in classroom practices as a result of participating in a professional learning community (PLC) that designs integrated curriculum of English/language arts and social studies. The participants for the study were a team of four fifth grade teachers, of which team the author is a member. These teachers teach in a Title-1 urban elementary school in the American Southwest. Case study methodology was chosen to examine this phenomenon. Data were collected from PLC sessions, interviews, recorded lessons, and artifacts. Collection took place at the research site. Data were analyzed using qualitative techniques of coding and triangulation and themes were verified with member-checks and consultation with an outside researcher. It was found that creating integrated curriculum allows teachers to examine their pedagogical content knowledge, that teachers realize connections between subject areas, and that the process is difficult and time consuming. It was also found that the community of practice created within the PLC drives teachers to examine their pedagogical content knowledge, develop their professional identities, and become more receptive to changing their practices. The study adds to the existing literature on professional learning communities, integrated curriculum, teacher learning, and teacher practice.
Keywords
Curriculum; English/Language Arts; PLC; Social Studies; Teacher Learning; Teacher Practice
Disciplines
Education | Teacher Education and Professional Development
File Format
Degree Grantor
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Language
English
Repository Citation
Jordan, Derek, "Investigating Teacher Learning and Change in a Professional Learning Community: Integrating ELA and Social Studies Curriculum" (2016). UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones. 2788.
http://dx.doi.org/10.34917/9302945
Rights
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