The Epistemological Beliefs of Technical College Instructors

The purpose of this study was to examine the epistemological beliefs of technical college instructors and to compare them by educational level. Data were collected and analyzed using two methods of inquiry. First, using the Learning Environment Preferences survey instrument, there was a significant difference in intellectual development among levels of education. Specifically, instructors with a master's degree scored significantly higher than instructors with either a baccalaureate or less than a baccalaureate degree. Second, focus groups were used to explain and interpret the findings. Two themes emerged showing different epistemological beliefs about ways of thinking and learning styles.