The nature of the relation between pre-service teachers’ views of an ideal teacher and their positive memories of biology and geography teachers

Anne Pellikka,Sonja Lutovac,Raimo Kaasila

doi:10.5617/nordina.4368

Abstract

Literature acknowledges that pre-service teachers’ memories of their past might influence how they see their future as teachers, and thus on the construction of their teacher identity. However, we know little about the nature of the relation between pre-service teachers’ views of the ideal teacher and their memories of their own school teachers, particularly regarding specific subject disciplines, such as biology and geography. This study addresses the significance of this relation. Narratives from three pre-service elementary teachers reveal that positive memories of biology and geography teachers and future-oriented reflection connect their past and the ideal teacher. The findings suggest that just one positive memory can have far-reaching significance. In addition, their views of the ideal teacher were found not to be subject-specific. Finally, suggestions for teacher education are presented.

Highlights

Many earlier studies have recognized that pre-service teachers (PSTs) carry memories, experiences and beliefs formed during their time at school with them when they commence teacher education (Balli, 2011; Bryan, 2003; Feiman-Nemser & Buchmann, 1985; Knowles, Cole & Presswood, 1994; Korthagen, 2004; Lortie 1975, Lutovac & Kaasila, 2011, 2014; Pajares 1992; Wall, 2016)
We first present an excerpt of that PST’s positive memories of school, which is followed by an excerpt representing her view of the ideal teacher
We have examined the relation between PSTs’ views of an ideal teacher and their positive memories of school biology and geography teachers

Summary

Introduction

Many earlier studies have recognized that pre-service teachers (PSTs) carry memories, experiences and beliefs formed during their time at school with them when they commence teacher education (Balli, 2011; Bryan, 2003; Feiman-Nemser & Buchmann, 1985; Knowles, Cole & Presswood, 1994; Korthagen, 2004; Lortie 1975, Lutovac & Kaasila, 2011, 2014; Pajares 1992; Wall, 2016). We know little about the nature of the relation between PSTs’ memories of their school teachers and their views of the ideal teacher, regarding specific subject disciplines, such as biology and geography. In this study, we take a closer look at pre-service elementary teachers’ positive memories of their school biology and geography teachers, their views of the ideal teacher and the relation between the two aspects. There is a need for knowledge about the nature of the relation between PSTs’ positive memories of their school biology and geography teachers and their views of an ideal teacher because of its importance for teacher education and the ways teacher educators could assist PSTs in their identity development. These views might reveal their possible teacher selves (Hamman et al, 2010; Lee & Schallert, 2016; Lutovac & Kaasila, 2011, 2014; Miller & Shifflet, 2016)

Methods

Results

Discussion