Poster #82 - Online Learning for ECE teachers: Making it Count!

• In Event: 3-053 - Poster Session 10
  In Poster Session: PS 10 Section - Education, Schooling

Integrative Statement

The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the effectiveness of a professional development (PD) web series on malk talk and teaching in the ECE classroom. This PD included several components; the web series/talk show, delivery of monthly math materials and online coaching.

The study had two main goals: 1) to examine if the combination of these elements could help increase early learning educators’ comfort in teaching math and 2) to investigate whether this type of professional development changed instruction in the early learning environment. Participants included 27 teachers from 25 centers across the state of Washington. All teachers watched four episodes of Circle Time Magazine, (a PD web talk show) on four topics in math: counting, measurement, geometry, and patterns. Shortly after watching the show, teachers were mailed boxes of math materials that corresponded to each episode (STEAM Trunks) to use in their learning environments. Teachers videotaped themselves using the materials and uploaded their video to an online coaching platform, (called the Coaching Companion) where a coach viewed their video and provided feedback.

Results showed a statistically significant increase in teacher math comfort, especially in teaching geometry and patterns. The talk show plus materials and coaching did not increase instructional support on the CLASS™ as a whole. However, there was an increase in the concept development. Participants also maintained their scores on facilitation of learning and development. This study provides valuable information about the possible benefits of delivering professional development and coaching in a digital manner. Implications from this pilot guide future directions for high quality, cost-effective and meaningful coaching for early learning educators.

Authors

• Virginia Tse, Cultivate Learning, University of Washington
  Presenting Author

• Gail E Joseph, University of Washington
  Non-Presenting Author