Improving teacher candidates’ knowledge of phonological awareness: A multimedia approach
Abstract
Knowledge of phonological awareness (PA) and how to teach students to develop PA is an important component of teacher preparation given its role in learning to read. We believe multimedia can play a key role in improving how educators acquire, master, and prepare to implement evidence-based reading instruction in any nation. One multimedia-based instructional practice, Content Acquisition Podcasts (CAPs), utilizes Mayer's Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning (
2009) to ensure the looks and sounds of instruction help reduce extraneous cognitive load while maximizing active cognitive processes. In this empirical study, researchers randomly assigned 148 participants (education and non-education university students) to either watch a CAP or read a practitioner friendly article on PA and PA instruction. The dependent variable is an instrument that measures knowledge- and skill-based items related to PA and PA instruction. Results demonstrate a significant main effect and large effect size for the CAP group on the posttest and, several weeks later, a maintenance probe. Findings indicate that multimedia instructional tools, such as CAPs, may benefit undergraduates as they acquire necessary knowledge and skills that underwrite advanced practices for teaching students in general and special education settings.
Reference
Kennedy, M. J., Driver, M. K., Pullen, P. C., Ely, E., & Cole, M. T. (2013). Improving teacher candidates’ knowledge of phonological awareness: A multimedia approach. Computers & Education, 64, 42-51.
Journal
Computers & Education
Analysis
Is this article part of a larger project or series of studies?
no
Does this study draw on a large, preexisting data set?
unclear
Research Approach
- Experimental
- Quantitative
Geographic Setting
Institutional Context
Certification Level
Programatic Focus
Research Location Context
- introductory course in special education
Preservice Participants
- Undergraduates (special education)
Preservice Sample Size
148
Duration of Data Collection
Data Sources
- post-test
- pre-/post-assessment
- Survey of Language Constructs Related to Literacy Acquisition (Joshi et al., 2009)
- Teacher Knowledge Survey Form #1–3 (Moats & Foorman, 2003)
Data Analysis Tools
Researcher Positionality
Research Questions
To what extent can Content Acquisition Podcasts improve knowledge of PA and PA instruction beyond that of students who only read a practitioner-oriented article?
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes