Teacher enactment of the Geospatial Inquiry cycle in classrooms following scaled up professional learning and development

Authors

Brooke A. Whitworth, Clemson UniversityFollow
Lori Rubino-Hare, Northern Arizona University
Francis Boateng, University of Mississippi
Anne Hamlin, Northern Arizona University
Nena E. Bloom, Northern Arizona University
Eric Nolan, Northern Arizona University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-2022

Publication Title

International Journal of Science Education

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2022.2030073

Abstract

The current study examined the effects of a nationally scaled up Professional Learning and Development (PLD) model on teachers’ classroom implementation of the Geospatial Inquiry instructional framework. Geospatial Inquiry is defined as: asking and answering a research question through the analysis and communication of data that is linked to a geographic location on, above, or near Earth. These data are often represented visually via maps and explored with geospatial technologies. It also examined the relationships between Geospatial Inquiry Teacher Workshop (GITW) implementation and teacher implementation of the Geospatial Inquiry Cycle. Situated cognition provided a theoretical framework for the design, development, and implementation of the GITWs and lessons. Surveys, technology assessments, lessons, and artifacts were analysed using a-priori coding, descriptive statistics, and a generalised linear modelling approach that included hierarchical analysis. Results indicated teachers implemented Geospatial Inquiry lessons with integrity to the principles of Geospatial Inquiry and utilised research-based pedagogical practices. Format of GITWs (e.g. face-to-face or blended) resulted in differences during teachers’ lesson implementation. In addition, whether GITWs were delivered by an individual facilitator or a team of facilitators impacted teachers’ lessons. The findings have several implications for the design and scaling of PLD.

Comments

For the published version: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09500693.2022.2030073

Recommended Citation

Brooke A. Whitworth, Lori Rubino-Hare, Francis Boateng, Anne Hamlin, Nena E. Bloom & Eric Nolan (2022) Teacher enactment of the Geospatial Inquiry cycle in classrooms following scaled up professional learning and development, International Journal of Science Education, 44:3, 379-415, DOI: 10.1080/09500693.2022.2030073