Evaluation of the Australian Government Quality Teacher Programme 1999 to 2004 - Coursework Example

Are key concepts easy to identify in the research report? b. Are key concepts explicitly defined? What meaning is given to them? c. Are the concepts used consistently throughout the document? d. Are key concepts consistent with the theoretical framing set for the study? With each other? e. Are the key concepts used in this study in touch with current times? Are they in keeping with the practices documented/reported in the study? Are they usefully explanatory? 3. Methodology 3.1 Research design a.

Is the design clearly stated? b. Is it logical? c. Does it "match" the purpose and research question? d. Is the method used to select participants discussed explicitly? e. Is participant selection justified? f. Are participant characteristics clearly identified? g. What criteria did participants need to meet in order to be eligible for selection? h. Are incentives disclosed, and what effect might these have on the study discussed? i. Are the tools and methods used to collect data described sufficiently? j. Is the data collection procedure or process is clearly described? k.Is the time frame is identified and does it match the stated purpose of the study? l.Is the time frame justified? 3.2 Information about research design specifics. a. Do the authors clearly identify what type of study they are conducting, and why? (e.g.

, a quasi-experimental study that focuses on some kind of intervention, a qualitative study examining a group of students engagement with popular culture in a range of contexts) b. Is the context for the study justified? (i.e., where physically were data collected and is this justified, given the research question etc.?) c. Is there enough information given about the logistics of the study that I could replicate this study or conduct a similar. The questions pertaining to effectiveness that were asked included the following: (1) Did the AGQTP State and Territory Projects provide professional learning activities for the teachers following the Effectiveness Terms of Reference?

The findings said yes. There were “localized, long-term models of professional learning” to meet the needs of “a broad spectrum of teachers, from beginning to highly experienced.”(p. ii) (2) Did the programme increase teacher skills and understanding, especially the higher order skills and understanding? The findings said yes.(3) Was enhanced effectiveness in teaching achieved through the AGQTP? Yes, according to the summary report (p.ii).It was achieved through “partnerships with professional associations, universities, and other providers” (p. ii). (4) Was there effective undertaking in both the “State and Territory-based projects in priority areas?” (p. ii) Indeed, in all the priority areas, the consultants found that significant achievements were realized.

Literacy and understanding relevance to the overall curriculum had increased. Numeracy learning had improved with involvement of parents and other family members in the numeracy education of their children. Teachers’ mathematics skills were sharpened. Technology became a useful tool for teaching.