An exploration of 21st century practices in the upper elementary classroom: How COVID-19 impacted implementation

Jenkins, Shelley Marie

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/113880 Copy

Description

Title

An exploration of 21st century practices in the upper elementary classroom: How COVID-19 impacted implementation

Author(s)

Jenkins, Shelley Marie

Issue Date

2021-12-02

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Kalantzis, Mary

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

Cope, William

Committee Member(s)

• Span, Christopher
• You, Yu-Ling

Department of Study

Educ Policy, Orgzn & Leadrshp

Discipline

Educ Policy, Orgzn & Leadrshp

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Ed.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

• Upper Elementary
• 21st Century Practices
• Autonomy
• COVID-19
• Common Core State Standards
• Self-Determination Theory

Abstract

The Common Core State Standards require students to showcase their learning through performance standards, yet from the limited literature that is currently available there is not much proof that students have been able to raise to the rigor of these new requirements. Using Ryan and Deci’s self- determination theory, research has shown that when students are offered high levels of autonomy in a supportive learning environment there is more engagement, allowing for deeper conceptual learning, more transference of knowledge to other learning, resulting in a positive effect on achievement, as measured through state standards. Through the use of a mixed-methods explanatory sequential design, the research has found to what degree Illinois educators carry out 21st century practices within their upper elementary classrooms, and how the global COVID-19 pandemic affected this. Further, it has determined what supports are needed to carry out these practices successfully. It offers insights and recommendations for school districts, professional development curators, and teacher preparation programs seeking to design their content and classroom practices in ways that best meet the needs of 21st century educators and learners.

Graduation Semester

2021-12

Type of Resource

Thesis

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/113880

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2021 Shelley Jenkins

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