Section archive - Programs & Practicum

This study aimed to explore the nature of changes in pre-service science teachers’ (PSTs’) self-efficacy beliefs toward science teaching through a mixed-methods approach. The findings revealed that microteaching sessions provided pre-service teachers experiences in a controlled and supportive environment. The microteaching process also provided vicarious experiences to the PSTs through observation of teaching performance of teammates and other participants. The a collaborative peer microteaching (Cope-M) process created a practice of discussion-based and supportive teaching to shift the PSTs’ teaching practice to a more robust understanding. Furthermore, the findings suggested that the level of self-efficacy beliefs toward science teaching were positively affected by the Cope-M and were affected slightly negatively after early field experiences.

This study explored the role that participating in a critical inquiry project (CIP) played on the development of new educators who aspire to teach from a social justice perspective. The study also examined how relationships between the first- and second-year teacher participants shaped their development as social justice educators, learners, and leaders. The findings revealed that members were able to reflect on their journey of developing as social justice educators, seeing where they started and where they were still heading. This ongoing reflection and their own perception of their development kept them committed to the group and to the goal of social justice education (SJE). The findings also showed how members learned to have each other’s backs. A third result was that CIP gave members opportunities to teach SJE to others. Finally, members felt a tremendous sense of accomplishment.

This study is a preliminary exploration of current Common Core State Standards (CCSS) preparation in Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs). Focus groups were conducted with pre-service teachers and professors in general and special education programs at five colleges across two southeastern states. Findings address the perceptions of both groups related to knowledge, ability, contributions, and barriers to application of CCSS.

This article begins the exploration of disruption as an analytical construct that allows for the investigation of how individual learning and changes in local practice mutually influence the other within a purposefully designed learning context. The authors seek to describe the types of learning experiences that emerged using disruptive pedagogies and tools within a series of methods courses in an undergraduate elementary teacher education program. The intent of the designed context was to disrupt the traditional practices of teacher education courses by creating a participatory environment where students participated in the creation of course content through their engagement with social media and each other.