Language structure knowledge of preservice teachers: Connecting speech to print
Abstract
This study investigated the efficacy of an instructional training module focused on alphabetic principle, more specifically, the speech sounds of English on letter-sound knowledge of preservice teachers enrolled in elementary or special education teacher certification programs. In addition, this study examined preservice teachers' ability to apply and generalize their letter-sound knowledge. The training module, a video tutorial and online study guide, was completed in 2 to 6 hours over one week by preservice teachers. Following instruction, preservice teachers increased oral and written letter-sound correspondence knowledge as well as their ability to apply this knowledge to tasks requiring letter-sound analysis. Statistically significant increases were not observed on tasks requiring preservice teachers to generalize their knowledge to analyzing child letter-sound production errors. The instructional training module described in this study provides an efficient and effective model for delivering language structure content to preservice teachers but might be even further enhanced with provision of additional opportunities for practice.
Reference
Gormley, S., & Ruhl, K. L. (2007). Language structure knowledge of preservice teachers: Connecting speech to print. Teacher Education and Special Education, 30(2), 83-92. doi:10.1177/088840640703000203
Journal
Teacher Education and Special 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?
no
Research Approach
Geographic Setting
Institutional Context
Certification Level
- Elementary
- Special Education
Programatic Focus
- Elementary
- Special Education
Research Location Context
Preservice Participants
- undergraduate preservice teachers
Preservice Sample Size
43
Duration of Data Collection
Data Sources
Data Analysis Tools
- Hear-Write and See-Say
- Social Validity scale
Researcher Positionality
- Inside (studying their own programs)
Research Questions
"The purpose of this study was to determine
if PTs completing a training module
improve their written and oral letter-sound
identification and production skills and apply
such knowledge to novel tasks (e.g., identification
of irregularly spelled words)" (p. 84).
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes
"In addition,
this study examines generalization of such
letter-sound knowledge to identifying child
letter-sound errors" (p. 84).
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes