Professional Development Needs of Idaho Technology Teachers: Teaching and Learning

Abstract

ABSTRACT

District Superintendent Perceptions of Idaho Secondary CTE Teachers’ Professional Development Needs

“…This data are then analyzed and the items are ranked with those having the highest MWDS considered the most pressing professional development needs. Previous research has been critiqued for solely focusing on the perceptions of teachers, leading to the possibility that true professional development needs are not being identified (Cannon, Kitchel, Duncan, & Arnett, 2011). By considering the perceptions of school leaders such as district superintendents, as well as teachers, a better understanding of what the true needs are may be developed.…”

“…The work by agricultural education researchers over the last sixteen years has provided a foundation for needs assessment in other CTE program areas; such as engineering and technology, business and marketing, family and consumer sciences, and skilled and technical sciences (trades and industrial) (Cannon et al, 2011;Kitchel, Cannon, & Duncan, 2009. CTE teachers as a group, excluding agricultural educators, have identified "teaching students to think critically and creatively", "motivating students to learn", "designing and developing digital-age learning experiences and assessments", and "utilizing website development and software" as teaching and learning priorities (Cannon et al, 2012).…”

“…CTE teachers as a group, excluding agricultural educators, have identified "teaching students to think critically and creatively", "motivating students to learn", "designing and developing digital-age learning experiences and assessments", and "utilizing website development and software" as teaching and learning priorities (Cannon et al, 2012). "Teaching students to think critically and creatively" and "motivating students to learn" have been consistently ranked in the top five by business teachers and engineering and technology education (Cannon et al, 2011;.…”

“…Research has also shown results for management of the entire CTE program. Grant writing and funding opportunities along with an understanding of federal (Perkins), state, and local policy have consistently ranked as high needs across CTE program areas (Kitchel et al, 2009;Cannon et al, 2011;Cannon et al, 2010). Additional program management needs identified in previous studies were developing a public relations plan, developing curriculum based school-to-work activities, and establishing and organizing cooperative internships (Kitchel et al, 2009;Cannon et al, 2011;Cannon et al, 2010).…”

Integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math into a Food and Nutrition Curriculum in Utah

“…An Idaho Technology Teacher needs assessment showed that mathematics placement test scores were significantly affected by more math‐enhanced agricultural power and technology curriculum. The teachers of these courses requested professional development activities based on how to teach students critical thinking and problem‐solving (Cannon, Kitchel, Duncan, & Arnett, ). However, this would be an academic need, not a STEM need.…”