Date of Award

Fall 10-2015

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Education

First Advisor

Dr. Sherry DeVore

Second Advisor

Dr. Patricia Conner

Third Advisor

Dr. Terry Reid

Abstract

Classroom management has been the focal point of many different studies and research projects. Unfortunately, it has also been cited as one of the top three reasons teachers leave the field of education not only today, but for the last 40 years (Berry, 2010). There is a need for an understanding of the implications of past classroom management research trends, styles, and strategies that are popular but have not worked in the past. Realizing further research in teacher training programs was needed, this study included examinations of perceptions of teachers about how well prepared they were for the classroom environment, how effective they felt when dealing with issues in the classroom, and what teachers feel prepared them most to handle classroom management issues. To collect data, a mixed method study was conducted. A quantitative survey was used to gather perceptions of teachers using a Likert scale. A qualitative interview was conducted to gather perceptions of teachers, and a custom matrix was used to record responses from interview transcriptions. To validate data from the survey and interview, a literature review was compiled and compared to survey and interview results. Findings indicated mentoring and feedback from mentors and administrators helped teachers to feel better prepared for classroom management. Teachers felt more prepared for classroom management after their first year of teaching and after accepting their first job than they did prior to teaching, and those who had prior life experiences outside of teaching felt more prepared than those who did not. Likewise, engaging lessons and positive teacher and student relationships helped teachers to feel more effective in handling classroom management issues.

Rights

Copyright 2015

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