Iris M. Riggs

Bio: Iris M. Riggs is an academic researcher from California State University, San Bernardino. The author has contributed to research in topics: Teacher education & Science education. The author has an hindex of 12, co-authored 19 publications receiving 2181 citations.

Toward the development of an elementary teacher's science teaching efficacy belief instrument

Abstract: The National Science Board Commission on Precollege Education in Mathematics, Science, and Technology stressed the importance of elementary school science because it is within the formative years that “substantial exposure to mathematical and scientific concepts and processes” is thought to be “critical to later achievement” (1983, p. 22). Though science is required of all students within the elementary years, strong evidence suggests that elementary teachers do not feel science curriculum is a high priority (Stake and Easley, 1978; Schoeneberger and Russell, 1986). When elementary science is addressed, it is not usually taught in a way that enhances student achievement (Denny, 1978). Researchers have suggested a myriad of possible causes for existing voids in elementary science teaching (Edmunds, 1979; Fitch & Fisher, 1979; Franz & Enochs, 1982; Helgeson, Blosser, & Howe, 1977; and Weiss, 1978). Abundant attention has been devoted to the investigation of teacher attitude toward science and the effects of these attitudes on subsequent teaching (Haney, Neuman, & Clark, 1969; Koballa & Crawley, 1985; Morrisey, 1981; and Munby, 1983). Teacher belief systems, however, have been neglected as a possible contributor to behavior patterns of elementary teachers with regard to science. Investigation of teacher beliefs is vital to a more complete understanding of teacher behavior. Koballa and Crawley (1985) defined belief as “information that a person accepts to be true” (p. 223). This is differentiated from attitude which is a general positive or negative feeling toward something. Attitudes may be formed on the basis of beliefs, and both attitudes and beliefs relate to behavior. An example based upon Koballa and Crawley’s description, can be made to demonstrate the relationship between beliefs, attitudes and behavior with regard to the elementary science teaching situation. An elementary teacher judges his/

The relationship of pupil control to preservice elementary science teacher self–efficacy and outcome expectancy

Abstract: The investigators' intentions in this study were to examine preservice elementary teachers' sense of self-efficacy with regard to science teaching and to define the construct of self-efficacy with greater clarity. Additionally, the construct of pupil control was examined. To gather information toward these purposes, we investigated the following questions: Do prospective elementary teachers' efficacy beliefs relate to their beliefs concerning classroom management or control?; and How is a measure of self-efficacy related to prospective teachers' self-reported choice concerning the teaching of science, amount of time spent in performing “hands-on” science, and/or perceived effectiveness as future elementary science teachers? Self-efficacy was measured as two distinct constructs, personal self-efficacy and outcome expectancy. Significant correlations were found between personal science teaching self-efficacy and (1) the number of college science courses taken; (2) the number of years of high school science taken; (3) respondent's choice of science instructional delivery; and (4) respondent's perceived effectiveness in teaching science. When the outcome expectancy subscale is considered, however, only one significant correlation is indicated; perceived effectiveness in teaching science was significantly correlated with outcome expectancy. Personal science teaching self-efficacy was significantly correlated with pupil control ideology while outcome expectancy was not. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Teacher Learning in Lesson Study

Abstract: :This article documents teacher learning through participation in lesson study, a form of professional development that originated in Japan and is currently practiced widely in the US. Specifically, the paper shows how teachers in three different lesson study teams 1) expanded their mathematical content knowledge, 2) grew more skillful at eliciting and analyzing student thinking, 3) became more curious about mathematics and about student thinking, 4) emphasized students' autonomous problem-solving, and 5) increasingly used multiple representations for solving mathematics problems. These outcomes were common across three lesson study teams, despite significant differences among the teams' composition, leadership, and content foci.Keywords: Professional development; Teacher learning; Mathematics education; Lesson study; Mathematics instructionIn this article we report on some outcomes of lesson study as part of a professional development effort to improve mathematics teaching and learning in a large, exurban, diverse elementary and middle school district. In lesson study, a group of teachers identifies a problem from practice on which they would like to make progress in their teaching. Over an extended period of time-several months to a year-the teachers study the topic as well as students' perceptions of it, and plan a lesson to address this topic. They bring in other professionals as needed during this process. One member of the group then teaches the lesson while the others observe and record student actions and reactions during the lesson. The group reflects afterwards on the design and teaching of the lesson, its outcomes for student learning, and implications for student learning more generally. The cycle repeats, building teachers' mathematical content knowledge and their shared views of pedagogy simultaneously and over time (Lewis, 2002a; Lewis, Perry & Murata, 2006; Stigler & Hiebert, 1999).This article documents4 the experience of three school-based lesson study teams of teachers in their efforts to address the development of teachers' mathematical content knowledge, pedagogical skill, and leadership capacity through a combination of professional development activities, with an emphasis on the learning that occurs through the lesson study process. The "Noether" Project,5 an NSF-funded Math and Science Partnership program, involves 60 teachers from 16 schools (with teams varying in size from four to fourteen, and some teams drawing teachers from multiple sites] who study mathematics and pedagogy in multiple formats. Each year, teachers participate in an intensive two-week summer institute, academic year monthly seminars, self-facilitated monthly collaboration time, and lesson study. All teams meet for ten full days of lesson study during the academic year. The program began with 45 participating teachers and subsequently expanded to include 60. The district is a high needs district with 89% of students eligible for free and reduced lunch. 88% of students are Hispanic, with large numbers of English learners (51%), primarily Spanish-speaking, and many parents have limited academic backgrounds. In each middle school at most one or two teachers have a math credential that qualifies them to teach algebra or single subject mathematics.The theory of action in the Noether Project is that teachers who participate in lesson study will become increasingly knowledgeable in mathematics and more skillful in teaching mathematics, and this expanded teacher learning will lead to improved student learning. This logic of expected improvement follows recent research (Dudley, 2012) indicating that schools where lesson study is conducted show higher levels of student learning in mathematics relative to comparable schools. By "expanded teacher learning," we mean teachers' increased content knowledge, confidence in mathematical skills and abilities to help children learn mathematics, and a growing expertise in teaching mathematics. …

Teacher Efficacy: Its Meaning and Measure

Abstract: The theoretical and empirical underpinnings of teacher efficacy are examined to bring coherence to the construct and its measurement. First, we explore the correlates of teacher efficacy revealed using various instruments and search for patterns that suggest a better understanding of the construct. Next, we introduce a model of teacher efficacy that reconciles two competing conceptual strands found in the literature. Then we examine implications of the research on teacher efficacy for teacher preparation and suggest strategies for improving the efficacy of inservice teachers. Finally, we propose new directions for research in light of the proposed model.

Development and Validation of A

Abstract: Objectives: Lao Juan (LJ, 劳倦) is a syndrome described in Chinese medicine (CM) that manifests with : Lao Juan (LJ, 劳倦) is a syndrome described in Chinese medicine (CM) that manifests with fatigue, fever, spontaneous sweating, indigestion, work-induced pain, weakness of the limbs, and shortness of breath. fatigue, fever, spontaneous sweating, indigestion, work-induced pain, weakness of the limbs, and shortness of breath. The present study was conducted to examine the reliability and validity of a Lao Juan Questionnaire (LJQ). The present study was conducted to examine the reliability and validity of a Lao Juan Questionnaire (LJQ). Methods: A total of 151 outpatients and 73 normal subjects were asked to complete the LJQ. Seventy-three normal subjects A total of 151 outpatients and 73 normal subjects were asked to complete the LJQ. Seventy-three normal subjects were additionally asked to complete the Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFS). Twelve clinicians determined whether the were additionally asked to complete the Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFS). Twelve clinicians determined whether the 151 outpatients exhibited LJ or not. The internal consistency and construct validity for the LJQ were estimated using 151 outpatients exhibited LJ or not. The internal consistency and construct validity for the LJQ were estimated using data from the outpatient subjects. The CFS data were used to examine the concurrent validity of the LJQ. Total LJQ data from the outpatient subjects. The CFS data were used to examine the concurrent validity of the LJQ. Total LJQ scores and the clinicians' diagnoses of the outpatients were used to perform receiver operating characteristics (ROC) scores and the clinicians' diagnoses of the outpatients were used to perform receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analyses and to defi ne an optimum cut-off score for the LJQ. curve analyses and to defi ne an optimum cut-off score for the LJQ. Results: The 19-item LJQ had satisfactory internal : The 19-item LJQ had satisfactory internal consistency (α=0.828) and concurrent validity, with signifi cant correlations between the LJQ and the CFS subscales. consistency (α=0.828) and concurrent validity, with signifi cant correlations between the LJQ and the CFS subscales. In the test of construct validity using principal component analysis, a total of six factors were extracted, and the overall In the test of construct validity using principal component analysis, a total of six factors were extracted, and the overall variance explained by all factors was 59.5%. In ROC curve analyses, the sensitivity, specifi city, and area under the variance explained by all factors was 59.5%. In ROC curve analyses, the sensitivity, specifi city, and area under the curve were 76.0%, 59.2%, and 0.709, respectively. The optimum cut-off score was defi ned as six points. curve were 76.0%, 59.2%, and 0.709, respectively. The optimum cut-off score was defi ned as six points. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the LJQ is a reliable and valid instrument for evaluating LJ. Our results suggest that the LJQ is a reliable and valid instrument for evaluating LJ. KEYWORDS Chinese medicine, chronic fatigue syndrome, Chinese medicine-pattern Chinese medicine, chronic fatigue syndrome, Chinese medicine-pattern

Collective Efficacy Beliefs:Theoretical Developments, Empirical Evidence, and Future Directions

Abstract: This analysis synthesizes existing research to discuss how teachers’ practice and student learning are affected by perceptions of collective efficacy. Social cognitive theory is employed to explain that the choices teachers make—the ways in which they exercise personal agency—are strongly influenced by collective efficacy beliefs. Although empirically related, teacher and collective efficacy perceptions are theoretically distinct constructs, each having unique effects on educational decisions and student achievement. Our purpose is to advance awareness about perceived collective efficacy and develop a conceptual model to explain the formation and influence of perceived collective efficacy in schools. We also examine the relevance of efficacy beliefs to teachers’ professional work and outline future research possibilities.