Case Study of a Hybrid Undergraduate Elementary Certification Program

Abstract

The goal of this study was to assist instructors and leadership of a hybrid weekend pre-service teacher education program at the University of Oradea to improve their effectiveness with students. Specifically, this study sought to gather and analyze data from three program constituents: students, instructors, and program leadership. The preschool and primary weekend education program at the University of Oradea was developed to be suitable for students who for various reasons cannot attend the traditional day classes. In 2011, the weekend program was changed into a hybrid program in an effort to more directly meet the needs of the student population. In order to more effectively meet the needs of the students, it became obvious that the pedagogy and structure of the program needed refinement. The data gathered in this study allowed the research team to develop recommendations for program, pedagogical, and textbook improvements.