Exploring identities in a reading specialization program.
Abstract
This qualitative study used theories of language and learning to explore the identities of one preservice teacher in a reading specialization program. Data sources included archived online course responses, interviews, journals, and an electronic portfolio. Analysis indicates that the participant used multiple discourses as an immigrant, multilanguage learner, and writer/poet to make sense of her learning in the program. These discourses shaped her identities as a teacher and influenced how her peers recognized her. Analyzing online responses over time added to the uniqueness of this study because it allowed the researcher to tap into shared discourse related to course readings and field-based experiences. Negotiating multiple discourses within a learning community influenced the participant's instructional decisions as a student teacher and fashioned her identity with other future teachers. Implications include the significance of exploring multiple identities in relation to a clearly identified program mission, using computer mediated discussions to nurture collaborative reflection, and understanding how a group's common values and commitments can enhance one's teaching identity.
Reference
Assaf, L. C. (2005). Exploring identities in a reading specialization program. Journal of Literacy Research, 37(2), 201-236. http://dx.doi.org/10.1207/s15548430jlr3702_4
Journal
Journal of Literacy Research
Analysis
Is this article part of a larger project or series of studies?
no
Does this study draw on a large, preexisting data set?
no
Research Approach
Geographic Setting
- Southwestern United States
Institutional Context
Certification Level
Programatic Focus
- Elementary
- reading specialization
Research Location Context
- field-based methods course
- University
Preservice Participants
- Post bachs (university based program)
- Undergraduates (university based program)
Preservice Sample Size
30
Duration of Data Collection
Data Sources
- email correspondence
- First Week of School Journal
- Interviews
- journal entries
- Observations
- online discussions
- portfolio
- Reflective journals
Data Analysis Tools
- coding- qualitative software "Nudist"
- Constant comparative analysis
- Discourse Analysis (Gee, 1999 framework)
- Triangulation
Researcher Positionality
- inside (staying their own students)
Research Questions
"What is the nature of one preservice teachers' discourse in a reading specialization program?"
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes
"How does identity influence the choices one makes and instructional practices one uses as a teacher?"
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes
"What does one's discourse in a reading specialization program reveal about learning to become a teacher?"
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes