A knowledge filter model for observing and facilitating change in teachers' beliefs

Author: Keys, Philip¹

Source: Journal of Educational Change, Volume 8, Number 1, March 2007 , pp. 41-60(20)

Publisher: Springer

Key:

- Free Content

- New Content

- Subscribed Content

- Free Trial Content

Abstract:

This study describes a theoretical knowledge filter model that explains how teacher knowledge (beliefs and practices) shaped the implementation of a science curriculum in Australia. Over four school terms, four elementary and three secondary teachers participated in the study. Through the methodology of educational criticism (Eisner, 1991, The enlightened eye. New York: Macmillan) the results revealed that, in relation to their teaching, the teachers possessed three sets of beliefs: teachers' expressed beliefs, teachers' entrenched beliefs and teachers' manifested beliefs. The outcome of this study is a model for identifying and observing the impact of teachers' beliefs that can be utilised in facilitating change in education and in influencing communities of practice.

Keywords: Beliefs; Change; Craft knowledge; Curriculum development; Community of learners; Communities of practice; Organisational development; Pedagogical knowledge; Science teaching; Teachers' beliefs; Teacher knowledge