Increasing Preservice Teachers Research Articles

Reviewing How Preservice Teachers Are Prepared to Teach Reading Processes: What the Literature Suggests and Overlooks

Today’s world requires attention to all aspects of initial literacy teacher preparation, including how and what preservice teachers learn about the component processes of reading. To address this imperative, a review was conducted of articles published from 2000 to 2018 identified through the CITE-ITEL database ( https://cite.edb.utexas.edu ) that reported findings related to reading processes and initial teacher preparation. After an inductive analytic process, the authors organize findings into five focus areas: (a) definitions and delimitations of reading processes, (b) studies of preservice teachers’ beliefs about teaching reading processes, (c) research identifying preservice teachers’ knowledge gaps and misconceptions, (d) intervention studies aimed at increasing preservice teachers’ knowledge, and (e) studies detailing the application of knowledge about reading processes into contexts of pedagogical practice. The discussion considers the current gaps in how reading processes and literacy are conceptualized and possible areas of inquiry related to preservice teacher education and reading processes.

Young children’s picture-books as a forum for the socialization of emotion

Guided by Vygotsky’s zone of proximal development, this article examined whether characters in emotion picture-books express and talk about emotions in ways that are consistent with theory and research on children’s emotions. In general, we found that picture-books recommended by experts in social-emotional development contain content that is fairly consistent with published research in early childhood. We also found parents’ reading of the picture-books was consistent with the content analysis, even though we recorded their spontaneous emotion-based language in addition to the text presented in the picture-books. The findings also suggested that reading of emotion picture-books may increase preservice teachers’ references to emotions, which could translate into greater use of emotion language in the early childhood classroom. Results are discussed with regard to the role of picture-books as an important source of emotion-related information for children, parents, and teachers.

Mindfulness‐based SEL programming to increase preservice teachers’ mindfulness and emotional competence

AbstractEighty‐seven preservice teachers, some of whom had preschool teaching experience, were randomly assigned to an intervention that included training in breathing awareness meditation infused with social‐emotional learning (n = 43) or a control group that received training in (n = 44) in breathing awareness meditation only. Both groups showed an increase in mindfulness from pre‐ to posttest. However, as expected, dimensions of emotional competence improved more significantly for preservice teachers in the intervention group. Increases were also greater for participants with teaching experience. Both groups also increased in the belief that classroom misbehavior would result in negative cognitive and social costs to children, but a larger increase was observed for the intervention group. Implications for teacher preparation are discussed.

Teaching global climate change to pre-service middle school teachers through inquiry activities

ABSTRACTBackground Global climate change (GCC) has become one of the most debated socio-scientific issues after an increase in media attention. Recently, there have also been several studies describing students’ and teachers’ alternative conceptions about GCC. Therefore, designing learning environments at the college level that focus on accurate conceptions of GCC has become important in order for pre-service teachers to correct their alternative conceptions. There are, however, a limited number of studies that aim to both increase pre-service teachers’ knowledge about these issues and explore their perceptions of teaching this subject.Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of inquiry-based activities on pre-service teachers’ knowledge about GCC and their perceptions of teaching this subject.Sample The participants were 102 pre-service middle school mathematics and science teachers who were enrolled in an environmental education course.Design and methods A one group pre-test–post-test design was employed to identify changes after pre-service teachers engaged in a learning unit on GCC. The inquiry-based GCC unit was implemented during the spring semester at a public university in northeastern Turkey. The unit was implemented over seven sessions. Data were collected through two questionnaires: the ‘GCC content questionnaire’ and the ‘perceptions of teaching GCC questionnaire’. Each questionnaire was administered both before and after implementation of the unit. Content questionnaire responses were analyzed using a paired-samples t-test. Responses to the perceptions of teaching questionnaire were analyzed using inductive open coding.Results Results indicated that after the implementation the pre-service teachers significantly improved their understanding of GCC across all items in the content questionnaire, saw several benefits of and challenges about teaching GCC, and perceived themselves as better prepared to teach about GCC in their future classrooms.Conclusions Teacher education programs should integrate inquiry-based GCC instruction to increase pre-service teachers’ knowledge as well as their preparedness to teach about this important planetary issue.

Impact of Coaching on Preservice Teachers’ Use of Embedded Instruction in Inclusive Preschool Classrooms

The purpose of the present study was to examine the impact of training plus coaching on special education preservice teachers’ use of embedded instruction learning trials (EILTs) within ongoing activities of inclusive preschool classrooms. A multiple baseline across participants design was used to investigate the relationships between coaching and preservice teachers’ implementation of EILTs across settings and over time. Corollary relationships between preservice teachers’ implementation and child learning outcomes were also examined. Results indicate training plus coaching is an effective method for increasing preservice teachers’ use of EILTs. Preservice teachers generalized their use of EILTs to another setting and maintained their use during follow-up sessions conducted 1 to 8 weeks after coaching ended. Moreover, as preservice teachers’ accuracy of implementing EILTs increased, percentage of children’s correct responding increased. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.

Argumentation as a Strategy for Increasing Preservice Teachers’ Understanding of Climate Change, a Key Global Socioscientific Issue

Findings of this study suggest that scientific argumentation can play an effective role in addressing complex socioscientific issues (i.e. global climate change). This research examined changes in preservice teachers’ knowledge and perceptions about climate change in an innovative undergraduate-level elementary science methods course. The preservice teachers’ understanding of fundamental concepts (e.g., the difference between weather and climate, causes of recent global warming, etc.) increased significantly. Their perceptions about climate change became more aligned to those of climate scientists. A key assignment was to develop and present an evidence-based scientific argument based on an adaptation of Toulmin’s argumentation model (1958). The participants were assigned a typical question and claim of climate skeptics and asked to conduct research on the scientific findings to prepare a counter-argument (rebuttal). The preservice teachers indicated that the integration of scientific argumentation was an effective strategy for increasing their understanding and perceptions about climate change as a socioscientfic issue.

Using Active-Learning Strategies to Increase Pre-Service Teachers’ Efficacy in a Service-Learning Course

Improving pre-service teachers’ ability to recognize work-related problems and apply effective strategies and solutions to fundamental challenges in the field is at the crux of an effective college preparation. Although there is evidence that service-learning experiences within a teacher education course can have powerful effects on student learning, what is being done during the lecture portion of a course to improve the impact of service-learning practices goes largely unexamined. This study investigated whether a contextually developed set of active-learning strategies in the lecture part of a service-learning course improved pre-service teachers’ efficacy. Findings showed significant improvement within personal teaching efficacy constructs as a result of experiencing the active-learning sequence. Academic tracking of students showed that those pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in physical education teacher education benefitted significantly more from the active-learning experience than those pursuing a Bachelor of Science in athletic training. This article describes how the active-learning sequence emerged as a preferred method of instruction by instructors and students, and how these strategies were useful in problematizing teaching situations and engaging students with course content.

Impact of Authentic Learning Exercises on Preservice Teachers' Self-Efficacy to Perform Bullying Prevention Tasks

BackgroundTeachers and preservice teachers may neglect intervening into and/or leading efforts to prevent bullying because they the lack confidence to do so.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine the impact of authentic learning exercises on health education preservice teachers' self-efficacy to perform bullying prevention activities. A corollary purpose was to identify the ease and practicality of using the professional preparation standards as an instructional framework.MethodsPreservice teachers (n = 60) completed a pre/postassessment that measured self-efficacy to perform bullying prevention tasks aligned with 5 professional preparation standards. The intervention was authentic learning exercises aligned with the standards and administered during a professional preparation course.DiscussionParticipants' self-efficacy to perform bullying prevention activities aligned with the standards increased significantly. Effect sizes varied, thus warranting additional research. As an instructional framework, it was easy to use the standards as a practical means to design authentic learning exercises.Translation to Health Education PracticeWhen seeking to increase preservice teachers' efficacy to perform bullying prevention activities, authentic learning exercises aligned with professional preparation standards might be an effective means to do so. Such exercises might also improve self-efficacy to perform tasks in other health content areas.

Preservice teachers’ self efficacy and knowledge of emotional and behavioural disorders

This research examined preservice teachers’ knowledge of emotional and behavioural disorders (EBD) and their sense of efficacy. The participants included a convenience sample of 230 undergraduate general education and special education preservice teachers enrolled in teacher education classes. The age of the participants ranged from 19 to 51 with a mean age of 23.37 years (SD = 6.8 years). The Teacher Self Efficacy Scale (TSES) (long form) and Knowledge of Emotional and Behavioural Disorders questionnaire were administered. The participants had higher efficacy in instructional strategies, classroom management, and instructional abilities than in student engagement. There was no significant correlation between field experience, additional coursework, and familiarity with a child with EBD and the preservice teachers’ knowledge of EBD or self efficacy. This information is relevant to teacher programme coordinators indicating that further efforts should be made to increase preservice teachers’ knowledge of EBD, and to provide strategies for identifying and working with students with EBD in classrooms.

Classroom Profiling Training: Increasing Preservice Teachers’ Confidence and Knowledge of Classroom Management Skills

Classroom management is a serious concern for beginning teachers including preservice teachers. The Queensland Department of Education, Training and Employment (DETE) has developed the Essential Skills for Classroom Management (ESCM), a system of positive and pro-active strategies for maintaining supportive learning environments. In addition, the DETE offers Classroom Profiling, a data driven, non-judgmental process to allow teachers to reflect on the classroom management strategies they employ. This qualitative study investigated whether Classroom Profiling training could increase preservice teachers’ knowledge and confidence in using ESCM. Fifteen preservice teachers in their final year of a Bachelor of Education degree in Far North Queensland participated in the study. Methods included surveys and a focus group discussion. Findings suggested that Classroom Profiling training improved preservice teachers’ perceptions of their knowledge and confidence in classroom management techniques including the ESCM.

Fostering Self-Regulated Skills in an Educational Psychology Course for Brazilian Preservice Teachers

The relevance of self-regulated learning is well acknowledged by research, and converging evidence suggests that people can be taught self-regulatory skills, thus improving their behavior as learners. Researchers have recommended that educational psychology courses for preservice teachers should help future teachers become better learners as well as more effective teachers. An attempt was made to explore the challenge of creating an effective teaching approach to increase preservice teachers’ awareness of their personal learning. This idea was implemented in an educational psychology course for 26 Brazilian students in a teacher education program at a public university in the interior of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The procedures employed to foster self-regulatory skills and the results obtained from the experience are discussed in this article. Data were collected on 2 occasions using a self-efficacy for self-regulated learning scale and a general self-reflective activity. A structured diary about the students’ learning experiences was also required. Results showed reported gains in self-regulatory skills, greater awareness of affective and motivational states, and an improvement in study practices. Findings are discussed in terms of both the importance of improving students’ self-regulatory skills and the implications that such an initiative may have for future teaching practices.

Promoting Critical Reflection in Teacher Education Through Popular Media

Recognizing the possible influences of media narratives upon self-concepts, teacher educators have used films and television programs about teachers to promote preservice teachers' reflections on their professional identities and instructional practices. Theoretical models of reflection, in conjunction with media analysis, have the potential to increase preservice teachers' critical reflection to improve their future students' learning. Because preservice teachers do not yet have sufficient teaching experiences about which to reflect and little time to observe and consider adjustments in instruction over time, reflective analysis of popular media representations can offer surrogate experiences upon which to develop an educational philosophy and to consider classroom strategies as well as opportunities for future teachers to explore their own preconceptions about teaching that may well have been influenced by such representations.

Reflections of Preservice Information Technology Teachers Regarding Cyberbullying.

The current phenomenological study addressed the reflections of preservice information technology (IT) teachers regarding their cyberbullying or victimization experiences. Fifty five preservice IT teachers at a Turkish teacher training institution were offered a lecture with the purpose of awareness-raising on cyberbullying, which was followed by the assignment of take-home reflection papers. Document analysis on reflection papers led researchers to find out underlying themes regarding participants’ cyberbullying or victimization experiences. Findings revealed that females were more likely to be victims than males. Instant messaging programs, e-mail, cell phones and online social networks were used as means to cyberbully. Varying psychological consequences of victimization incidents were reported. Noted reactions to incidents were discontinuing interaction with bullies, and seeking family, peer and legal support. Findings further implied that awareness raising activities regarding cyberbullying were likely to reduce cyberbullying instances and increase preservice teachers’ action competence

Increasing Preservice Teachers' Support of Multicultural Education

The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to build candidate knowledge utilizing Katz and Chard's Project Approach (1989) promoting movement across Nieto's (2000) levels of support for multicultural education. Three major preliminary steps advancing multicultural sensitivity and teaching practice were identified as foundational for the future development of pre-service teachers' multicultural understandings.

Cultural competence as an ethical requirement: Introducing a new educational model.

Demographic data show a trend toward increasing racial and ethnic diversity among students in public schools, but the teaching population is projected to remain largely White and female. Without proper training, teachers will be ill equipped to meet the educational needs of these diverse students and run the risk of unwittingly perpetuating prevalent stereotypes and discriminatory practices about certain racial and ethnic groups. This preliminary study offers a theoretically driven model for training, the Racial and Ethical Sensitivity Training KIT (REST-KIT), which is designed to (a) increase preservice teachers’ ability to recognize ethical dilemmas related to intolerance in schools and (b) provide preservice teachers with techniques and skills for handling these dilemmas. The REST-KIT is unique in that it ties cultural competence to ethical principles based on professional codes of ethics accepted by school professions and emphasizes that cultural competence is a professional requirement, not a personal choice. Pre- and posttests were given to ascertain the program’s effectiveness. Both a self-report and a behavior-based measure indicated that participants showed more cultural competence after completing the workshop. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.

Effects of Supervisor Performance Feedback on Increasing Preservice Teachers' Positive Communication Behaviors With Students With Emotional and Behavioral Disorders

The purposes of this study were to examine the effects of supervisor performance feedback on preservice teachers' rates of positive and negative communication behaviors with students with emotional and behavioral disorders and the effects of the intervention on the preservice teachers' perceptions of classroom management and climate. The authors used a multiple baseline design across preservice teachers with a 1-min interval recording system to measure the frequencies of positive and negative verbal and nonverbal communication behaviors of preservice teachers. They also recorded preservice teachers' statements and gestures to provide specific performance feedback. Preservice teachers' perceptions on the effects of the intervention were monitored using their reflective journal entries. Specific performance feedback increased the ratio of positive-to-negative preservice teacher communication behaviors. In addition, preservice teacher satisfaction was improved. Results suggest that supervisors' use of specific performance feedback may assist preservice teachers to implement a higher ratio of positive-to-negative communications with their students.

Using Case Study Analysis and Case Writing to Structure Clinical Experiences in a Teacher Education Program

This study reports on the design and results of a two-semester study on the use of case study analysis and case writing in clinical experiences in an undergraduate teacher education program. Findings indicated that structured experiences with case studies and case writing increase preservice teachers' informed decision making on educational issues.

Use of Computer-Mediated Communication in a Teaching Practicum Course

This study investigates how Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) can be effectively used in a teaching practicum course to enhance preservice teachers’ learning. We constructed a web-based CMC system and used it in a Teaching Practicum course. Computer science preservice teachers and experienced secondary school computer teachers, who served as mentors, participated in the study. The research findings indicate that the preservice teachers considered the CMC system helpful for supporting their learning. The findings also indicate that some initiating/follow-up discussion styles of the mentors were more effective than others in promoting interactions in the discussion forum. It was also found that a teaching-video-enhanced CMC environment is valuable in improving quality of mentoring and in increasing preservice teachers’ reflection on teaching.

Integrating technology into field-based experiences: a model that fosters change

Project ImPACT is an implementation grant supported by the U.S. Department of Education Preparing Tomorrow’s Teachers to Use Technology initiative. The principal goal of this project, as with all PT 3 initiatives, is to develop new teachers who are capable of infusing technology into the curriculum to enhance student learning. With this result in mind, a model was developed to foster change in K-12 field sites that serve as training grounds for preservice teachers. The ISTE NETS essential conditions provided the framework on which this model was developed with emphasis on access, professional development, support, incentives, and assessment. In this article, we describe the development, implementation, and evaluation of a field-based technology integration model. The results suggest that the model was effective in increasing preservice teachers’ ability to integrate technologies into the curriculum in authentic teaching situations.

Integrating technology into field-based experiences: a model that fosters change

Project ImPACT is an implementation grant supported by the U.S. Department of Education Preparing Tomorrow’s Teachers to Use Technology initiative. The principal goal of this project, as with all PT3 initiatives, is to develop new teachers who are capable of infusing technology into the curriculum to enhance student learning. With this result in mind, a model was developed to foster change in K-12 field sites that serve as training grounds for preservice teachers. The ISTE NETS essential conditions provided the framework on which this model was developed with emphasis on access, professional development, support, incentives, and assessment. In this article, we describe the development, implementation, and evaluation of a field-based technology integration model. The results suggest that the model was effective in increasing preservice teachers’ ability to integrate technologies into the curriculum in authentic teaching situations.