Outside In and Inside Out: Using a Case Study Assignment in a Reading Methods Course
Abstract
Analyzes the use of a case study assignment across three reading methods classes preparing elementary and early childhood teachers for urban schools. Drawing from participants' dialogic learning logs, taped collaborative sessions, and the presentation of the case in a mock teacher-parent conference, the researchers examined for evidence of the developing understandings of 50 preservice teachers in content knowledge and skills (outside-in learning) as well as dispositions (inside-out learning). Second, the researchers inspected for preservice teachers' perceptions of their own learning and dispositions toward practices with urban children as a result of the case study assignment.
Reference
Kindle, K. J., & Schmidt, C. M. (2011). Outside In and Inside Out: Using a Case Study Assignment in a Reading Methods Course.Teacher Education Quarterly, 38(3), 133-149.
Journal
Teacher Education Quarterly
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
- early childhood
- Elementary
Programatic Focus
Research Location Context
- field-based methods course
- University
Preservice Participants
- Undergraduates (university based program)
Preservice Sample Size
Duration of Data Collection
Data Sources
- Questionnaire
- Reflective journals
- Transcriptions
Data Analysis Tools
- Constant comparative analysis
- Inductive analysis
- Thematic analysis
Researcher Positionality
- inside (staying their own students)
Research Questions
What aspects of the case study [assignment], as currently implemented, were effective in developing preservice teachers' content and pedagogical knowledge and dispositions?
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes
What were the students' perceptions of their outside in/inside out development from completing this assignment?
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes