Abstract

This paper introduces the concept of the palimpsest as a tool for examining teacher and administrator beliefs about teaching, learning, and managing. The palimpsest is integrated into a Peircean semeiotic framework utilizing von Uexküll's Lebenswelt. Three typical cases enrolled in a learning program that engages teachers in a process of systematic and intentional inquiry were chosen. Raw responses from the three cases were examined. Of particular interest, all three participants tended to reason from premises that currently fit their belief structures and seem to hand pick clues to examine. Finally, the palimpsest appears to be a useful and flexible concept to examine the consistencies and inconsistencies of beliefs.