Preservice teachers’ interactions while tutoring primary grade children

Abstract

This study describes the teaching interactions and decisions of two effective early childhood preservice teachers as they tutored a kindergarten child. Effective tutors must have an understanding of the reading process and of their student as they make on the spot teaching decisions to support working at the child’s point of need. Findings indicated that the two preservice teachers were able to offer strategic instruction at their students’ point of need, to flexibly engage in interactive moves that provided necessary support for their students, and demonstrate a reflective stance as they considered the efficacy and appropriateness of their prompts.

Reference

Timmons, B. & Morgan, D. (2006) Preservice teachers' interactions while tutoring primary grade children. In M. Foote, F. Falk-Ross, S. Szabo, & M. Sampson. (Eds.), 29th Yearbook of the Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers (pp. 58-73). Louisville, KY: ALER.

Journal

Yearbook of the College Reading Association

Analysis

Is this article part of a larger project or series of studies?

Does this study draw on a large, preexisting data set?

Research Approach

Case study

Geographic Setting

not stated

Institutional Context

University based

Certification Level

early childhood

Programatic Focus

early childhood education

Research Location Context

Literacy methods course

Preservice Participants

Not stated

Preservice Sample Size

Duration of Data Collection

10 weeks

Data Sources

fieldnotes
Final Tutoring Reflections
Observations
Tutoring plans

Data Analysis Tools

Constant comparative analysis

Researcher Positionality

inside (staying their own students)

Research Questions

"In what ways did the preservice teachers interact/help their student at point of difficulty?" (p. 61)
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes

"What kinds of interactional moves did the preservice teachers make while tutoring their student?" (p. 61)
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes

"What other insights emerged from studying our preservice teachers’ interactions that will help us continue to refine our own practice?" (p. 61)
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes