A Comparison of Independent and Collaborative Instructional Models in a Blended Graduate Teacher Education Program
Jason T. Abbitt
Sarah J. Watt
William J. Boone
Miami University
Abstract
This evaluation research study investigated the impact of differences in independent and collaborative teaching models in a blended graduate teacher education program. Using the Community of Inquiry model as a framework to evaluate the student experience in this program, data were collected over a two-year period regarding student perceptions of cognitive, social, and teaching presence. One unique aspect of this study is the Rasch measurement techniques that produced scaled measurements of cognitive, social, and teaching presence. These measurements were subsequently used to compare courses in which both independent (single instructor) and collaborative teaching models were present. A discussion of the results of these analyses is provided that highlight models that are promising when examined across the entire program. Also, specific forms of collaborative teaching are discussed that were found to impact student ratings of their experience in online courses throughout the academic program.
About the Author(s)...
Jason T. Abbitt is an Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology at Miami University. Dr. Abbitt received his Ph.D. in Education and M.Ed. in Educational Technology from the University of Idaho. He is currently the director of the Special Education Online/Hybrid program and his current teaching duties include undergraduate and graduate courses in educational technology and also in research methodology and behavioral statistics. His current research focuses is on best practices for online learning and technology integration in teacher preparation. Dr. Abbitt was a recipient of a 2009 Faculty Innovator Award from the University System of Ohio for his work using collaborative Internet systems in higher education.
Sarah J. Watt is an assistant professor in the Special Education Program. Formerly she was a K-8 special education teacher for 9 years. Dr. Watt received her Ph.D. from the University of Iowa where she was selected as a Student Scholar for CEC’s Division of Research. Her research interests include supporting struggling learners and those with disabilities in math and science; professional development of teachers in the field; and facilitating effective content area instruction for pre-service special education teachers. She is an active member of CEC’s Division for Learning Disabilities. Dr. Watt is the faculty advisor for the student chapter of Council for Exceptional Children at Miami. Dr. Watt teaches a wide range of classes including but not limited to Educational Psychology of Exceptional Learners, Literacy Practicum Capstone, and Behavioral Interventions. She also teaches for the Special Education Online Hybrid program which currently offers licensure and/or an MA in Special Education.
William J. Boone is a professor in Miami University’s Department of Educational Psychology. In 2012, Dr. Boone was named a Fulbright Scholar. Dr. Boone’s research interests include the use of techniques and methodology to design, analyze, and revise questionnaires, surveys, and tests. His current work emphasizes instruments used in the fields of business (market research), health care, and education. In his research, Dr. Boone frequently explores the development of techniques to better communicate analysis findings to stakeholders. His expertise has allowed organizations with an interest in the evaluation of questionnaire data to lower the per item cost of response data collection while improving the quality of actionable guidance.
