Pre-service teachers’ attitudes about writing and learning to teach writing: Implications for teacher educators 

Abstract

A study investigated the attitudes of preservice teachers toward writing and learning to teach writing. Data were obtained from five purposively selected students enrolled on a yearlong teacher education program designed to prepare middle school educators to teach in urban schools. Findings revealed that the five participants could be grouped into one of three categories: reluctant writer, developing writers, and confident writers. Furthermore, findings suggested a relationship between preservice teachers' instructional practice and their beliefs, attitudes, and experiences. Further findings are presented, and the implications of the study for teacher educators are discussed.

Reference

Street, C. (2003). Pre-service teachers' attitudes about writing and learning to teach writing: Implications for teacher educators . Teacher Education Quarterly, 30(3), 33-50.

Journal

Teacher Education Quarterly

Analysis

Is this article part of a larger project or series of studies?

unclear

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

Research Approach

naturalistic

Geographic Setting

Texas

Institutional Context

University based

Certification Level

Middle

Programatic Focus

Urban Education

Research Location Context

Language arts methods
student teaching placement schools
University

Preservice Participants

Undergraduates (university based program)

Preservice Sample Size

Duration of Data Collection

Data Sources

artifacts
fieldnotes
Interviews
Questionnaire

Data Analysis Tools

coding (emergent categories)
cross-case analysis

Researcher Positionality

not stated

Research Questions

"What attitudes did pre-service teachers hold regarding writing and the teaching of writing when they entered their final semester of pre-service professional education?" p. 34
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes

"What were the major influences on these attitudes?" p. 34
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes

"What was the relationship between the participants' writing attitudes and the teaching practices they actually employed during student teaching? " p. 34
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes