Dissertation
Teachers’ conceptions of children’s learning in Northern Uganda: A phenomenographic study in a post-war context
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast
2012
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00208
Abstract
This thesis presents the findings of an in-depth study that investigated the conceptions held by teachers in Northern Uganda concerning children's learning. Through the methodology of phenomenography and an interpretivist research paradigm, this study sought to understand the experiences of local teachers as they were described in interviews. Conceptions of children's learning were identified in the data analysis process, and these were organised into what are called categories of description. This process culminated in two main research outcomes. First, the categories of description were synthesised to holistically describe the phenomenon of teacher's conceptions of children's learning in Northern Uganda. This phenomenon was depicted in a mental model that describes the growth processes of children's learning. Second, this study has generated understandings about the effects of stress and trauma upon learning that are evident in the research context but also considered transferrable. These findings give considerable weight to the central role that teachers play in the neurological rehabilitation of children who have suffered the effects of stress or trauma. This study also makes strong assertions about the efficacy of phenomenography, the study of experience, in connecting psychological and sociological aspects of learning. Considering these findings together, it is evident that the quality of learning experiences provided by teachers is paramount to healthy psychological and sociological development in children.
Details
- Title
- Teachers’ conceptions of children’s learning in Northern Uganda: A phenomenographic study in a post-war context
- Authors
- Alison Willis
- Contributors
- Bill Allen (Supervisor)
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00208
- Organisation Unit
- School of Education - Legacy; Indigenous and Transcultural Research Centre; School of Education and Tertiary Access; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450154202621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
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