Understanding Novel Engineering Implementation Barriers for Teachers.
Mehta, Lajja.
2015
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Abstract: Novel Engineering (NE) is an interdisciplinary approach to teach engineering and literacy in elementary and middle schools. In order to further improve the NE program and increase its adoption, it is important to understand teachers' experiences with NE and the barriers they face in implementation of NE activities. The aims of this study were to identify the top barriers to NE implementa... read moretion and uncover if any relationship exists between teachers' background and the barriers they mentioned. Data for this study were collected through one-on-one interviews and an online questionnaire conducted with 12 elementary school teachers. Risk assessment methodology was employed to assess the major barriers in the questionnaire, while a semi-structured interview was used to explore teachers' experiences in detail. Results of the quantitative and qualitative responses indicate lack of time, pressure from administration to meet standards, and access to materials as top barriers for NE implementation. This thesis analyzes the relationship between teachers' backgrounds and the top barriers, and discusses how this analysis could be used to empower teachers to efficiently infuse engineering education into their classrooms.
Thesis (M.S.)--Tufts University, 2015.
Submitted to the Dept. of Mechanical Engineering.
Advisor: Chris Rogers.
Committee: Dan Hannon, and Ethan Danahy.
Keywords: Education, Engineering, and Psychology.read less - ID:
- 5712mk450
- Component ID:
- tufts:21482
- To Cite:
- DCA Citation Guide EndNote
