Date of Conferral

2019

Degree

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

School

Education

Advisor

Amy White

Abstract

In the target district, instructional rounds (IR), were implemented to reform district-wide educational practices to increase student problem-solving skills over time. This evaluative case study investigated the perceived efficacy of IRs as a model to address student problem-solving. Specifically, the study examined the influences, if any, that the IR process has had on problem-solving, academics, and pedagogy since implementation. The study was framed by Bandura's social learning theory as it states that behavior is learned from one's environment through the process of observation. Qualitative data were collected from 86 stakeholders through a district-wide questionnaire, semi-structured interviews with 8 administrators, and a review of IR feedback notes and fundamental instructional practices. Data were analyzed and open coded to identify common themes and assess if there was perceived efficacy of the IR process. Findings showed that participants perceived the implementation of IRs as effective in improving academic, social, and pedagogical processes throughout the district. Participants shared the opinion that IR improved critical thinking among students, though there was no formal measure for this. A white paper was generated to inform the district of these changes, with recommendations for improvement in instructional rounds implementation. The project will promote social change by improving the teaching and learning process for students, teachers, and administrators at the target district. Based on what was reported about IR, continuing to improve the IR process can bring improvements to the teaching and learning process which will support stronger problem- solving, collaboration, and critical thinking among students.

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