Papers by Michael S Miller
Internet Learning
The constructivist learning theory, which refers to the idea that learners construct knowledge fo... more The constructivist learning theory, which refers to the idea that learners construct knowledge for themselves, can have a positive impact on online-learning environments when focusing on adult learners. Within this constructivist learning environment, we are able to create a place where learners can work together and support each other as they use a variety of tools and information resources in their pursuit of learning goals and problem-solving activities. This article presents information about constructivism as a learning theory, constructivist teaching, and the formation of a learning environment that promotes meaningful and authentic activities that help learners develop skills relevant to problem-solving as opposed to merely navigating a strictly instructional environment. While there are several ways to apply constructivism in the online classroom, here we explore five simple, easy-to-use constructivist-based teaching methods with real-classroom examples that include interactive learning, facilitative learning, authentic learning, learner-centered learning, and high-quality learning.
With roots dating back to the 1930s, the constructivist learning theory, which refers to the idea... more With roots dating back to the 1930s, the constructivist learning theory, which refers to the idea that learners construct knowledge for themselves, can have a positive impact on online learning environments when focusing on adult learners. Within this constructivist learning environment, we are able to create a place where learners can work together and support each other as they use a variety of tools and information resources in their pursuit of learning goals and problem-solving activities. This research will present information about constructivism as a learning theory, constructivist teaching, and the formation of a learning environment that promotes meaningful and authentic activities that help the learner to develop skills relevant to problem-solving as opposed to a strictly instructional environment. While there are several ways to apply constructivism in the online classroom, here we explore five simple, easy-to-use constructivist-based teaching methods with real-classroom examples, which include interactive learning, facilitative learning, authentic learning, learner-centered learning, and high-quality learning.
Teachers’ sense of efficacy – teachers’ beliefs about their abilities to bring about desired outc... more Teachers’ sense of efficacy – teachers’ beliefs about their abilities to bring about desired outcomes of student engagement and learning – was identified almost 30 years ago as one of the few teacher characteristics related to student achievement. Since then, researchers have been interested in the origins, measures, and factors cultivating the formation of efficacy. Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy suggests that efficacy may be most malleable early in learning, thus the first years of teaching could be critical to the long-term development of teachers’ sense of efficacy. Despite the importance of first-year experiences, little is known about the kinds of context variables that support and undermine efficacy in the early years. This study addressed the void by investigating mentoring as a source of efficacy information of first-year teachers. The target population for the study was all first-year teachers during the 2011-2012 school year in the Lee County Public Schools. A link to two survey instruments, The Mentor Support Scale, and Teachers' Sense of Self-Efficacy Scale were e-mailed to 326 first-year teachers, of which 111 were returned (a 34% return rate). Utilizing the Pearson r Correlation, this descriptive survey study tested a model of teacher efficacy in which efficacy beliefs of first-year teachers were predicted by mentor support. Findings suggested that the correlations were statistically significant. Three independent variables were significant predictors of first-year teachers’ sense of efficacy: instructional strategies, classroom management, and student engagement. Implications of the results of this study and recommendations for future research are discussed.
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Papers by Michael S Miller