Contextual factors that sustain innovative pedagogical practice using technology: an international study

Author: Owston, Ronald

Source: Journal of Educational Change, Volume 8, Number 1, March 2007 , pp. 61-77(17)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

Pedagogical innovation—whether involving technology or not—is shaped by a complex interaction of the innovation with contextual factors such as school and school district policy, leadership, cultural norms and values, teacher attitudes and skills, and student characteristics. This study examined school and classroom contexts in which pedagogical innovations employing technology were successfully sustained. Data were obtained from 59 cases drawn from the Second Information Technology in Education Study—Module 2, a project that examined 174 cases of innovative pedagogical practice in schools in 28 countries. An explanatory model of sustainability was derived from a qualitative analysis of the cases using grounded theory techniques. Essential conditions for the sustainability of classroom innovation were teacher and student support of the innovation, teacher perceived value of the innovation, teacher professional development, and principal approval. Contributing factors for sustainability were supportive plans and policies, funding, innovation champions, and internal and external recognition and support.

Keywords: Sustainability; Contextual factors; International studies; Technology; Pedagogical innovation

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10833-006-9006-6

Affiliations: 1: Email: rowston@edu.yorku.ca

Publication date: 2007-03-01