ERIC Number: EJ1045782
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013
Pages: 22
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0002-4805
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Mentors' Perceptions of Factors Associated with Change in Early Childhood Classrooms
Howe, Nina; Jacobs, Ellen
Alberta Journal of Educational Research, v59 n4 p591-612 Win 2013
Mentors' perceptions of factors associated with educational change were identified following an individualized mentoring program about constructivist curriculum for early childhood educators. A qualitative case study analysis of the mentors' journals of six classrooms was conducted to review their perceptions of change. Classroom environment quality was assessed with the Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale-Revised (ECERS-R) before and after the intervention program. At post-intervention, mentors reported that classrooms with increased ECERS-R Activities scores were likely to engage in behaviors promoting change, for example reflective skills, documenting children's learning, and challenging their own beliefs. In contrast, educators in classrooms with relatively stable post-intervention ECERS-R Activities scores appeared to create barriers that inhibited change. For example, they were less willing to challenge their beliefs, make changes in practice, and to document children's learning. Recommendations presented in the paper focus on successful implementation of mentoring programs; policy implications indicate that individualized mentoring programs require proper financial and personnel supports.
Descriptors: Early Childhood Education, Mentors, Performance Factors, Classroom Techniques, Classroom Environment, Educational Change, Constructivism (Learning), Individualized Programs, Qualitative Research, Case Studies, Journal Writing, Rating Scales, Pretests Posttests, Faculty Development, Class Activities, Teacher Attitudes, Predictor Variables
University of Alberta, Faculty of Education. 845 Education Centre South, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G5, Canada. Tel: 780-492-7941; Fax: 780-492-0236; Web site: http://ajer.synergiesprairies.ca
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A