Straight from the horse's mouth
Date
2000
Authors
Weir, Eileen Margaret Chiveldave
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 2000
Abstract
The project, Straight from the horse's mouth: Experienced teachers comment on change
effectiveness characteristics l. examines the presence or absence of factors which enable or
impede the implementation of new primary curriculum. Based on Carney's (1990)
research study in Kentucky. this researcher who also teaches at the rural primary school in
British Columbia, investigated the presence of Carney's ten change effectiveness
characteristics. Research took the form of a case study, basing its results on the interviews
conducted with twelve staff members at the school. The staff members spoke of their past
experiences of curricular implementation and reflected on the process and professional
changes throughout their careers. Hoping to convey a deep understanding of the teachers'
dilemma during implementation, the researcher has taken a creative approach and presented
information, results and personal reflections in the fonns of free verse, prose, drama,
questions and illustrations. This study concludes that some degree of Carney's change
effectiveness characteristics were present during the implementation process, that
collaboration and teamwork were powerful forces in this study situation and that vision
was an important aspect to these participants. Some change effectiveness characteristics
impacted on some participants more than others: some participants voiced a need for a
positive risk-taking environment whereas communication and information were seldom
mentioned. Directions for further investigations are suggested.
Description
vi, 137 leaves : ill. ; 29 cm. --
Keywords
Curriculum change -- British Columbia , Curruculum planning -- British Columbia , Education, Primary -- Canada -- Curricula