If you want to understand it, go and see it: Teacher perceptions of the value of participation in a two-week study tour

This dissertation investigates teachers’ perceptions of the effectiveness of a two-week, fully-funded study tour in Germany as a professional development opportunity to improve teaching efficacy. This research aims to explore the perceived benefits and limitations of in-service teachers participating in a two-week study tour in Germany. Extensive literature exists on study abroad in the college setting for pre-service teachers; however, the literature exploring the effects of a study tour on in-service teachers is growing but still limited. The study employs a qualitative case study approach to explore the teachers’ in-depth perceptions through two semi-structured interviews. In addition, the teacher’s lesson plans and the study tour itineraries are included in the analysis. The participants in the study include ten American social studies teachers who were selected as Fellows for a study tour in Germany. The findings reveal a high level of perceived effectiveness of study tours as professional development. Because of this positive perception, most teachers believe the experience will improve their practice through increased connections with students and families, a greater understanding of content knowledge, and a sense of rejuvenation in the teaching field. The research contributes to global studies in education by adding to the limited information concerning in-service teachers studying abroad. Overall, this study brings to light potential ways to conduct and improve study tour programs for in-service teachers and highlights the efficacy of these programs as professional development for United States-based social studies educators.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ed.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Educ Policy, Orgzn & Leadrshp

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2024

Author dc:creator

• McClanahan, Laurel Marie

Contributors dc:contributor

• Witt, Mary A
• Huang, Wenhao
• Kang, Hyun-Sook
• Liu, Wei

• Study Tours
• Teaching Efficacy
• In-service Teachers
• Professional Development
• Teacher Perceptions

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2024 Laurel McClanahan

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/127483

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F127483