Accounting for preservice teachers’ constructivist learning environment experiences

Abstract

The article reports the findings of a study conducted to inform a teacher preparation program of the extent to which they were providing students with experiences consistent with the program goals. The Constructivist Learning Environment Survey (CLES) was administered three times to participants in a 1-year program for graduate students seeking licensure in mathematics and science. These data were compared to program course syllabi and participant reflections to generate an account of institutional practice. From this account, observations about the program and a subsequent hypothetical learning trajectory were generated. It is recommended that the program find additional ways to explicitly integrate constructivist learning environment components into coursework and field experiences, specifically in the area of Critical Voice. Furthermore, the program should continue to structure programs components differently for mathematics and science and continue to offer a year-round field experience.