An exploratory study of the multiplier effect as a component of staff development

Abstract

The concept behind the multiplier effect as a component of teacher staff development is that "the training of a relatively few individuals could have impact on a relatively large number of teachers" (Lesiak, Petty, & Braccio, 1975, p. 401). This research study tested the effectiveness of the multiplier effect, within the National Space Biomedical Research Institute Teacher Academy Project (NSBRI TAP), in implementing space science in school classrooms. This study collected and examined data regarding the effectiveness of the tier one teacher workshops in helping tier two teachers implement space science. This research project involved answering the following questions based on the multiplier effect: 1. Does the data show that the tier two teachers view the NSBRI TAP training as helpful in implementing space science concepts in their classrooms? 2. Do the tier two teachers report that they have or will implement the NSBRI TAP space science activities in their classrooms, and if not, what factors beyond the training affect the implementation of NSBRI TAP activities in their classrooms? The data from the research study indicated that the tier two teachers viewed the NSBRI TAP training as beneficial in helping them implement the space science concepts in their classrooms. The participant's responses indicated they were very pleased with the training and enjoyed the nature of the topics/activities provided. The results suggested that responding tier two teachers were using or planning to use the TAP space science activities in their classrooms. Those reporting not using the activities/topics provided open response reasons for not using the TAP activities which were grouped into the following categories based on similar responses: Not a Part of Curriculum, Grade Level, or Standards; Restrictions on Time, Space, or Resources; Not My Teaching Subject; and Additional Comments. The inferences based on the findings of this research study support the effectiveness of the multiplier effect as a component of this staff development project.