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?

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

Research Approach

Qualitiative

Geographic Setting

midwest

Institutional Context

University based

Certification Level

early childhood
Elementary

Programatic Focus

Urban Education

Research Location Context

field-based methods course
University

Preservice Participants

Undergraduates (university based program)

Preservice Sample Size

Duration of Data Collection

3 months or less

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