Date of Award
Spring 5-11-2019
Level of Access Assigned by Author
Open-Access Thesis
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Literacy Education
Advisor
Susan Bennett-Armistead
Second Committee Member
Richard Kent
Third Committee Member
Julie Cheville
Additional Committee Members
Kenneth Martin
David Boardman
Abstract
This study explored how female Career and Technical Education (CTE) students who enter predominantly male-attended programs perceive instructor effectiveness. Although previous research has shed light on structural and social barriers faced by females wanting to enter these programs (Whitehead, 2013), new information suggests that CTE instructors engaged in prolonged professional development focused on improving instructional skills can support beneficial learning outcomes for their students (NRCCTE, 2013). It has also been suggested that improved knowledge of instructional approaches can increase nontraditional female students’ successful completion of their CTE programs (NRCCTE, 2013). Consequently, I sought to better understand three factors associated with effective CTE instructors, namely their content knowledge, pedagogical skills, and dispositions. Using qualitative methodologies in this case study, I documented how three female CTE students enrolled in an automotive technology program perceived their CTE instructor’s knowledge, skills, and dispositions. A main objective of the study was to allow an opportunity for these female students to have a reflective voice and provide insights about their experiences learning with their effective CTE instructor. Findings revealed that informants were influenced by their instructor’s understanding of content knowledge, his vast knowledge of pedagogical skills, and the dispositions he held toward the nontraditional female students who enter his program. This study offers administrators, researchers, and practitioners insights into the construct of effective practice in CTE contexts where female students enter male-dominated technical programs.
Recommended Citation
Healy, Christopher J., ""There Isn't Anything that Guy Can't Teach About Cars": How Nontraditional Female Career and Technical Education Students Perceive Instructor Effectiveness" (2019). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 2988.
https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/etd/2988