Document Type

Graduate Project

Date of Degree Completion

Summer 1999

Degree Name

Master of Education (MEd)

Department

Education

Committee Chair

Steven A. Schmitz

Second Committee Member

James L. DePaepe

Third Committee Member

Osman Alawiye

Abstract

The purpose of this project was to search for meaning in the socially constructed and constantly changing environment and practical knowledge of a Fine Arts Instructor. The researcher wanted the teacher to gain new insights on the subject of self, instruction, subject matter, role as teacher, role as colleague, curriculum development and the lives of students. A yearlong internship was conducted in which the researcher took on the role of observer and then of participant-observer. Ajournal of field notes was chronicled throughout the internship. From this journal, interview questions were developed and two interviews were conducted. The goal was to learn from another's life experiences within the world of teaching through ethnographic methods. It was found that lessons most critical to life are often those gained only through one's experiences and that in order to be a successful teacher, one must consider the well-being of students above all other factors in teaching and learning.

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