An Initial Evaluation of the Measure of Teaching for Creative Engagement

• In Event: The Role of Learning Environments in Student Perceptions, Engagement, and Outcomes

Abstract

This paper describes the technical adequacy of an observation tool used to measure middle school teachers’ instructional practices for creative engagement. The Measure of Teaching for Creative Engagement (MTCE) observation protocol documents researched attributes of teaching for creative engagement within four instructional domains: communicate, question and engage, assess and respond, and student behaviors. We present analyses that document the reliability and validity of the measure during the developmental phase of an embedded mixed-methods longitudinal research design that uses observation, teacher survey, and interview data. Preliminary results indicated that MTCE correlated well in each domain and with other measures theoretically related; scales within the teacher survey were internally consistent. Implications and limitations for the longitudinal study and broader field are discussed.

Authors

• Christine Pitts, University of Oregon

• Ross C Anderson, Educational Policy Improvement Center

• Michele Sinclair, Educational Policy Improvement Center