Characterizing the Identity of Three Knowledge-Building Teachers

• In Event: Poster Session 9
  In Poster Session: Teacher Knowledge and Beliefs in the Context of Schooling

Abstract

This study characterizes the identity of three knowledge building teachers. Qualitative analysis of teacher interviews depicts the following themes: empowerment to constantly deepen understanding of the Knowledge Building principles and improve teaching practice, agency to create a non-authoritarian relationship with students that supports their individual and collective inquiry, agency to experiment with the practice through collaboration with the community of teachers, empowerment to perceive teaching practice as based on the larger vision that the KB principles support, and perceiving the principal as both a leader and a teacher who shares the commitment to learning innovation and releases agency to teachers and students. The results point to the importance of fostering teachers’ agentive thinking.

Authors

• Barbara Maria Vokatis, Oneonta - SUNY

• Jianwei Zhang, University at Albany - SUNY