Teachers' Understanding: Factors Affecting the Implementation of Education Reform Initiatives

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 14
  In Poster Session: Educational Change SIG Poster Session

Abstract

In 2007 Abu Dhabi embarked on large-scale education reform requiring teachers to shift from traditional practice to a constructivist approach. Curriculum reform involving a paradigm shift in pedagogy, particularly in different cultural contexts, poses many questions with respect to implementation, on-going challenges, and future impact on the teachers, students and the community. The research reported in this paper examined the factors that affected teachers’ implementation of these education reform initiatives. The study involved the collection of qualitative data from a case study of 15 teachers. The results are likely to be of significance to a range of stakeholders, as they provide an understanding of how teachers may be guided, up-skilled and supported through the change of future reform efforts.

Authors

• Monika von Oppell, Curtin University

• Jill M. Aldridge, Curtin University