Heather Duncan - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Heather Duncan
Australian and International Journal of Rural Education
Mino-Pimaatisiwin is an Ojibwe term for life in the fullest, healthiest sense. Grounded in anti-c... more Mino-Pimaatisiwin is an Ojibwe term for life in the fullest, healthiest sense. Grounded in anti-colonial theory, this case study explores the impact of infusing Indigenous perspectives into an elementary school curriculum on students, school staff, parents, and community. With a focus on building self-esteem and cultural connectedness among Indigenous students, it uses the cultural frameworks of Mino-Pimaatisiwin and the Ojibwe seven sacred teachings of a good life. Findings indicate high levels of cultural connectedness and a reduced gap in self-esteem levels between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, an increased awareness among staff of Indigenous history and culture, a greater parent comfort level with visiting the school, and increased involvement from the community.
Journal of Educational Computing Research, 2009
While opportunities for online learning are increasing in K-12 education, few teacher education p... more While opportunities for online learning are increasing in K-12 education, few teacher education programs include courses on online teaching and learning. Using Garrison and Anderson's (2003) Community of Inquiry framework, this qualitative study explored the educational experiences of pre-service teachers in an experiential online course designed to teach about online teaching. Students explored aspects of online education and created a multi-media teaching module. The study highlighted the need for pre-service teacher education programs to design learning experiences that equip the next generation of teachers with the skills required to teach 21st century students in a variety of media that accommodate a diversity of learning styles.
This paper reports the findings of a study focusing on the challenges facing tertiary education i... more This paper reports the findings of a study focusing on the challenges facing tertiary education instructors teaching in online environments, and the strategies they use to create a collaborative online learning environment. The greatest challenges instructors reported were forging instructor/student and student/student connections, and creating a productive learning environment that engaged all students. Most important instructional strategies appear to be those that provide a structured and detailed framework for learning with learner expectations clearly outlined, facilitate collaboration and interaction among students,
Planning and changing, 2010
a bstract School districts across America have responded to the accountability movement by increa... more a bstract School districts across America have responded to the accountability movement by increasing professional development activities, including the utilization of onsite coaching strategies for educators. But who is mentoring the mentors? This descriptive study in one Western state found that 56% of instructional coaches reported they did not have a mentor, yet 90% of respondents thought mentoring was important for beginning instructional coaches, and 58% thought mentoring was important even for experienced instructional coaches. This study also reported on the areas that instructional coaches thought were important to be mentored in and the barriers that hindered their district in providing a mentoring program.
International Journal of Educational Leadership Preparation, 2012
Parental involvement is an important indicator of students' success in school. When schools e... more Parental involvement is an important indicator of students' success in school. When schools engage families in a manner connected to improving learning, students do make greater gains. Creating and implementing an e ective parental involvement model is an essential component in increasing student achievement in school. This article addresses the role of the principal in developing a multi-dimensional parental involvement model. To clarify this role, rst parental involvement is de ned and discussed. Effects of ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and gender on parental involvement are investigated and e ective strategies for involving parental subgroups are explored. Following the literature review, recommendations for multi-dimensional parental involvement are suggested. 1 NCPEA Publications note: This manuscript has been peer-reviewed, accepted, and endorsed by the National Council of Professors of Educational Administration (NCPEA) as a signi cant contribution to the scholarship ∗...
Journal on excellence in college teaching, 2013
Technological advances in the last decade have impacted delivery methods of university courses. M... more Technological advances in the last decade have impacted delivery methods of university courses. More and more courses are offered in a variety of formats. While academic rigor is a term often used, its definition is less clear. This mixed methods study explored graduate student conceptions of rigor in the online learning environment embedded within blended classes. An initial survey revealed low correlation between student perceptions of rigor and learning, but high correlation between perceptions of learning, course organization and clarity of expectations. Follow-up focus group interviews clarified graduate student conceptions: Rigorous learning should challenge and build upon existing knowledge, focus on practical application and the interaction of theory, concept and practice; it must be ‘value-added’ and personally and professionally relevant to students. The responsibility for rigor requires a critical partnership between teachers and learners.
The rural educator, 2012
The purpose of this article is to explore both the challenges and skills needed to effectively as... more The purpose of this article is to explore both the challenges and skills needed to effectively assume a leadership position and thus to create an entry plan or ‘toolkit’ for a new rural school leader. The entry plan acts as a guide beginning principals may use to navigate the unavoidable confusion that comes with leadership. It also assists aspiring new leaders to think through, and vicariously experience, the challenges they may face in a leadership role. If focuses on three specific areas most relevant to rural principals: Dealing with professional isolation and loneliness, getting to know and thriving in a rural community, and basic management skills for the lone administrator. It provides a series of tools that beginning principals may find useful as they embark on a leadership journey in a rural setting and also identifies the specific skills various stakeholder groups perceive as most important for rural school leaders.
This paper reports on a study whose purpose was to compare student ratings of instruction in onli... more This paper reports on a study whose purpose was to compare student ratings of instruction in online and face-to-face (F2F) higher education courses in an effort to better understand how faculty can strengthen their teaching in the online environment. Student ratings of instruction in online and on-campus courses were examined in two different ways that yielded similar findings. First, more than 8,000 student ratings of online and on-campus, traditional courses were compared. The ratings were based on 172 online courses and 470 on-campus courses. Results indicated that on-campus courses were rated significantly higher than online courses in Communication, Faculty/Student Interaction, Grading, Instructional Methods, and Course Outcomes; effect sizes were small. Student Effort was rated significantly higher for online courses than for F2F courses, also with a small effect size. A second analysis, using 11 pairs of the same course and same instructor, yielded similar findings. Students ...
Wyoming principals were surveyed regarding their perceptions of the strengths and de cits of thei... more Wyoming principals were surveyed regarding their perceptions of the strengths and de cits of their preparation program, their professional development needs as beginning principals, and the areas in which their districts o er professional development. Findings indicated much variation in perceptions of preparation program strengths and de cits. The internship was viewed as valuable in providing experience of day-to-day school administration; however, time commitment and nancial burdens were of concern. While districts provide adequate professional development in instructional leadership and using data to inform decisions for beginning principals, development needs in the areas of communication, relationship building, and con ict resolution were not provided by districts. note: This manuscript has been peer-reviewed, accepted, and endorsed by the National Council of Professors of Educational Administration (NCPEA) as a signi cant contribution to the scholarship and practice of educat...
The Rural Educator
The National Rural Education Association seeks presentation proposals from rural school teachers,... more The National Rural Education Association seeks presentation proposals from rural school teachers, administrators, researchers, and others interested in the future of rural education. This year’s conference theme is IMAGINE, and we are seeking presenters to share innovative practice or research related to the changing needs of rural students and the changing face of rural education.Areas of particular interest include: Rural School Innovations, Advancing Learning Through Technology, Rural School Reform, Meeting Common Core Standards, Technology Applications for School Leaders, Redesigning Learning for 21st Century Skills, Rural School Partnerships, Policy Implications for Rural Schools, and Evaluating Effects of Rural Schools.
Leadership for Change in Teacher Education, 2014
We live in times of exponential change. Deans of education must play a key role in ensuring teach... more We live in times of exponential change. Deans of education must play a key role in ensuring teacher education programs provide future teachers the skills to “rethink, unlearn and relearn, change, revise, and adapt” (Niess, 2008, p. 225) so that they may be successful in meeting the diverse needs of the children they will teach.
The Rural Educator
The purpose of this article is to explore both the challenges and skills needed to effectively as... more The purpose of this article is to explore both the challenges and skills needed to effectively assume a leadership position and thus to create an entry plan or ‘toolkit’ for a new rural school leader. The entry plan acts as a guide beginning principals may use to navigate the unavoidable confusion that comes with leadership. It also assists aspiring new leaders to think through, and vicariously experience, the challenges they may face in a leadership role. If focuses on three specific areas most relevant to rural principals: Dealing with professional isolation and loneliness, getting to know and thriving in a rural community, and basic management skills for the lone administrator. It provides a series of tools that beginning principals may find useful as they embark on a leadership journey in a rural setting and also identifies the specific skills various stakeholder groups perceive as most important for rural school leaders.
The Rural Educator
Cover, editorial board, submission guidelines, table of contents, and message from editor Heather... more Cover, editorial board, submission guidelines, table of contents, and message from editor Heather E. Duncan.
Journal of School Leadership
This study examines the perspectives of Wyoming instructional facilitators, concerning three coac... more This study examines the perspectives of Wyoming instructional facilitators, concerning three coaching constructs-namely, their instructional leadership roles, teachers' instructional practices, and the support that they receive from principals and teachers. Findings suggest that instructional facilitators were positive about their instructional leadership roles and about the support received from principals yet were neutral concerning teachers' autonomy about instructional practices. Instructional facilitators highlighted their roles in mentoring, coaching, and data analysis. Significant differences were found concerning the perceptions of technology instructional facilitators and high school instructional facilitators about their leadership roles, teachers' instructional practice, and support received from principals.
International Journal of Educational Leadership Preparation, 2012
Parental involvement is an important indicator of students' success in school. When schools engag... more Parental involvement is an important indicator of students' success in school. When schools engage families in a manner connected to improving learning, students do make greater gains. Creating and implementing an eective parental involvement model is an essential component in increasing student achievement in school. This article addresses the role of the principal in developing a multi-dimensional parental involvement model. To clarify this role, rst parental involvement is dened and discussed. Effects of ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and gender on parental involvement are investigated and eective strategies for involving parental subgroups are explored. Following the literature review, recommendations for multi-dimensional parental involvement are suggested.
International Journal of Educational Leadership Preparation, Oct 1, 2013
The intent of the study was to ascertain university faculties' perceptions, through semistructure... more The intent of the study was to ascertain university faculties' perceptions, through semistructured interviews, about supervision and mentoring of student teachers. Findings indicated faculty supervisors' perceived feedback to student teachers about student engagement as important. Additionally, supervisors believed building trust with student teachers was instrumental to the supervisory relationship, yet they believed they did little to intrinsically motivate student teachers. Supervisors mostly used two steps of the clinical supervision model, namely extended observations and post-observation conferences. Finally, faculty supervisors described a directive-control approach when remediating ineffective student teachers and reinforced the idea that effective teacher supervision is a collaborative effort. Implications for principals' supervision of novice teachers are included.
Http Dx Doi Org 10 1080 19415257 2012 722561, May 22, 2013
The purpose of this descriptive study was to explore, with respect to gender and career stage, th... more The purpose of this descriptive study was to explore, with respect to gender and career stage, the areas in which principals perceived professional development was important. Beginning principals perceived higher needs for support and skill development in all areas. All experience levels of principals indicated high needs for professional development in using data to inform decisions and in resolving personnel issues. Many of the top-ranked areas, regardless of gender or experience level, were relational areas (resolving student, ...
Teaching Education, 2010
This case study explored the educational experiences of Canadian preservice teachers in a course ... more This case study explored the educational experiences of Canadian preservice teachers in a course designed to teach about online teaching. Students gained experience in course design and delivery, and safe and ethical behavior related to technology. Findings indicated that projects in which students actively applied their knowledge were more engaging than threaded discussion; delivery and content must accommodate diverse learning styles; and leadership online must be taught as well as modeled. Students reflected with the instructor ...
Australian and International Journal of Rural Education
Mino-Pimaatisiwin is an Ojibwe term for life in the fullest, healthiest sense. Grounded in anti-c... more Mino-Pimaatisiwin is an Ojibwe term for life in the fullest, healthiest sense. Grounded in anti-colonial theory, this case study explores the impact of infusing Indigenous perspectives into an elementary school curriculum on students, school staff, parents, and community. With a focus on building self-esteem and cultural connectedness among Indigenous students, it uses the cultural frameworks of Mino-Pimaatisiwin and the Ojibwe seven sacred teachings of a good life. Findings indicate high levels of cultural connectedness and a reduced gap in self-esteem levels between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, an increased awareness among staff of Indigenous history and culture, a greater parent comfort level with visiting the school, and increased involvement from the community.
Journal of Educational Computing Research, 2009
While opportunities for online learning are increasing in K-12 education, few teacher education p... more While opportunities for online learning are increasing in K-12 education, few teacher education programs include courses on online teaching and learning. Using Garrison and Anderson's (2003) Community of Inquiry framework, this qualitative study explored the educational experiences of pre-service teachers in an experiential online course designed to teach about online teaching. Students explored aspects of online education and created a multi-media teaching module. The study highlighted the need for pre-service teacher education programs to design learning experiences that equip the next generation of teachers with the skills required to teach 21st century students in a variety of media that accommodate a diversity of learning styles.
This paper reports the findings of a study focusing on the challenges facing tertiary education i... more This paper reports the findings of a study focusing on the challenges facing tertiary education instructors teaching in online environments, and the strategies they use to create a collaborative online learning environment. The greatest challenges instructors reported were forging instructor/student and student/student connections, and creating a productive learning environment that engaged all students. Most important instructional strategies appear to be those that provide a structured and detailed framework for learning with learner expectations clearly outlined, facilitate collaboration and interaction among students,
Planning and changing, 2010
a bstract School districts across America have responded to the accountability movement by increa... more a bstract School districts across America have responded to the accountability movement by increasing professional development activities, including the utilization of onsite coaching strategies for educators. But who is mentoring the mentors? This descriptive study in one Western state found that 56% of instructional coaches reported they did not have a mentor, yet 90% of respondents thought mentoring was important for beginning instructional coaches, and 58% thought mentoring was important even for experienced instructional coaches. This study also reported on the areas that instructional coaches thought were important to be mentored in and the barriers that hindered their district in providing a mentoring program.
International Journal of Educational Leadership Preparation, 2012
Parental involvement is an important indicator of students' success in school. When schools e... more Parental involvement is an important indicator of students' success in school. When schools engage families in a manner connected to improving learning, students do make greater gains. Creating and implementing an e ective parental involvement model is an essential component in increasing student achievement in school. This article addresses the role of the principal in developing a multi-dimensional parental involvement model. To clarify this role, rst parental involvement is de ned and discussed. Effects of ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and gender on parental involvement are investigated and e ective strategies for involving parental subgroups are explored. Following the literature review, recommendations for multi-dimensional parental involvement are suggested. 1 NCPEA Publications note: This manuscript has been peer-reviewed, accepted, and endorsed by the National Council of Professors of Educational Administration (NCPEA) as a signi cant contribution to the scholarship ∗...
Journal on excellence in college teaching, 2013
Technological advances in the last decade have impacted delivery methods of university courses. M... more Technological advances in the last decade have impacted delivery methods of university courses. More and more courses are offered in a variety of formats. While academic rigor is a term often used, its definition is less clear. This mixed methods study explored graduate student conceptions of rigor in the online learning environment embedded within blended classes. An initial survey revealed low correlation between student perceptions of rigor and learning, but high correlation between perceptions of learning, course organization and clarity of expectations. Follow-up focus group interviews clarified graduate student conceptions: Rigorous learning should challenge and build upon existing knowledge, focus on practical application and the interaction of theory, concept and practice; it must be ‘value-added’ and personally and professionally relevant to students. The responsibility for rigor requires a critical partnership between teachers and learners.
The rural educator, 2012
The purpose of this article is to explore both the challenges and skills needed to effectively as... more The purpose of this article is to explore both the challenges and skills needed to effectively assume a leadership position and thus to create an entry plan or ‘toolkit’ for a new rural school leader. The entry plan acts as a guide beginning principals may use to navigate the unavoidable confusion that comes with leadership. It also assists aspiring new leaders to think through, and vicariously experience, the challenges they may face in a leadership role. If focuses on three specific areas most relevant to rural principals: Dealing with professional isolation and loneliness, getting to know and thriving in a rural community, and basic management skills for the lone administrator. It provides a series of tools that beginning principals may find useful as they embark on a leadership journey in a rural setting and also identifies the specific skills various stakeholder groups perceive as most important for rural school leaders.
This paper reports on a study whose purpose was to compare student ratings of instruction in onli... more This paper reports on a study whose purpose was to compare student ratings of instruction in online and face-to-face (F2F) higher education courses in an effort to better understand how faculty can strengthen their teaching in the online environment. Student ratings of instruction in online and on-campus courses were examined in two different ways that yielded similar findings. First, more than 8,000 student ratings of online and on-campus, traditional courses were compared. The ratings were based on 172 online courses and 470 on-campus courses. Results indicated that on-campus courses were rated significantly higher than online courses in Communication, Faculty/Student Interaction, Grading, Instructional Methods, and Course Outcomes; effect sizes were small. Student Effort was rated significantly higher for online courses than for F2F courses, also with a small effect size. A second analysis, using 11 pairs of the same course and same instructor, yielded similar findings. Students ...
Wyoming principals were surveyed regarding their perceptions of the strengths and de cits of thei... more Wyoming principals were surveyed regarding their perceptions of the strengths and de cits of their preparation program, their professional development needs as beginning principals, and the areas in which their districts o er professional development. Findings indicated much variation in perceptions of preparation program strengths and de cits. The internship was viewed as valuable in providing experience of day-to-day school administration; however, time commitment and nancial burdens were of concern. While districts provide adequate professional development in instructional leadership and using data to inform decisions for beginning principals, development needs in the areas of communication, relationship building, and con ict resolution were not provided by districts. note: This manuscript has been peer-reviewed, accepted, and endorsed by the National Council of Professors of Educational Administration (NCPEA) as a signi cant contribution to the scholarship and practice of educat...
The Rural Educator
The National Rural Education Association seeks presentation proposals from rural school teachers,... more The National Rural Education Association seeks presentation proposals from rural school teachers, administrators, researchers, and others interested in the future of rural education. This year’s conference theme is IMAGINE, and we are seeking presenters to share innovative practice or research related to the changing needs of rural students and the changing face of rural education.Areas of particular interest include: Rural School Innovations, Advancing Learning Through Technology, Rural School Reform, Meeting Common Core Standards, Technology Applications for School Leaders, Redesigning Learning for 21st Century Skills, Rural School Partnerships, Policy Implications for Rural Schools, and Evaluating Effects of Rural Schools.
Leadership for Change in Teacher Education, 2014
We live in times of exponential change. Deans of education must play a key role in ensuring teach... more We live in times of exponential change. Deans of education must play a key role in ensuring teacher education programs provide future teachers the skills to “rethink, unlearn and relearn, change, revise, and adapt” (Niess, 2008, p. 225) so that they may be successful in meeting the diverse needs of the children they will teach.
The Rural Educator
The purpose of this article is to explore both the challenges and skills needed to effectively as... more The purpose of this article is to explore both the challenges and skills needed to effectively assume a leadership position and thus to create an entry plan or ‘toolkit’ for a new rural school leader. The entry plan acts as a guide beginning principals may use to navigate the unavoidable confusion that comes with leadership. It also assists aspiring new leaders to think through, and vicariously experience, the challenges they may face in a leadership role. If focuses on three specific areas most relevant to rural principals: Dealing with professional isolation and loneliness, getting to know and thriving in a rural community, and basic management skills for the lone administrator. It provides a series of tools that beginning principals may find useful as they embark on a leadership journey in a rural setting and also identifies the specific skills various stakeholder groups perceive as most important for rural school leaders.
The Rural Educator
Cover, editorial board, submission guidelines, table of contents, and message from editor Heather... more Cover, editorial board, submission guidelines, table of contents, and message from editor Heather E. Duncan.
Journal of School Leadership
This study examines the perspectives of Wyoming instructional facilitators, concerning three coac... more This study examines the perspectives of Wyoming instructional facilitators, concerning three coaching constructs-namely, their instructional leadership roles, teachers' instructional practices, and the support that they receive from principals and teachers. Findings suggest that instructional facilitators were positive about their instructional leadership roles and about the support received from principals yet were neutral concerning teachers' autonomy about instructional practices. Instructional facilitators highlighted their roles in mentoring, coaching, and data analysis. Significant differences were found concerning the perceptions of technology instructional facilitators and high school instructional facilitators about their leadership roles, teachers' instructional practice, and support received from principals.
International Journal of Educational Leadership Preparation, 2012
Parental involvement is an important indicator of students' success in school. When schools engag... more Parental involvement is an important indicator of students' success in school. When schools engage families in a manner connected to improving learning, students do make greater gains. Creating and implementing an eective parental involvement model is an essential component in increasing student achievement in school. This article addresses the role of the principal in developing a multi-dimensional parental involvement model. To clarify this role, rst parental involvement is dened and discussed. Effects of ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and gender on parental involvement are investigated and eective strategies for involving parental subgroups are explored. Following the literature review, recommendations for multi-dimensional parental involvement are suggested.
International Journal of Educational Leadership Preparation, Oct 1, 2013
The intent of the study was to ascertain university faculties' perceptions, through semistructure... more The intent of the study was to ascertain university faculties' perceptions, through semistructured interviews, about supervision and mentoring of student teachers. Findings indicated faculty supervisors' perceived feedback to student teachers about student engagement as important. Additionally, supervisors believed building trust with student teachers was instrumental to the supervisory relationship, yet they believed they did little to intrinsically motivate student teachers. Supervisors mostly used two steps of the clinical supervision model, namely extended observations and post-observation conferences. Finally, faculty supervisors described a directive-control approach when remediating ineffective student teachers and reinforced the idea that effective teacher supervision is a collaborative effort. Implications for principals' supervision of novice teachers are included.
Http Dx Doi Org 10 1080 19415257 2012 722561, May 22, 2013
The purpose of this descriptive study was to explore, with respect to gender and career stage, th... more The purpose of this descriptive study was to explore, with respect to gender and career stage, the areas in which principals perceived professional development was important. Beginning principals perceived higher needs for support and skill development in all areas. All experience levels of principals indicated high needs for professional development in using data to inform decisions and in resolving personnel issues. Many of the top-ranked areas, regardless of gender or experience level, were relational areas (resolving student, ...
Teaching Education, 2010
This case study explored the educational experiences of Canadian preservice teachers in a course ... more This case study explored the educational experiences of Canadian preservice teachers in a course designed to teach about online teaching. Students gained experience in course design and delivery, and safe and ethical behavior related to technology. Findings indicated that projects in which students actively applied their knowledge were more engaging than threaded discussion; delivery and content must accommodate diverse learning styles; and leadership online must be taught as well as modeled. Students reflected with the instructor ...