Preparing pre-service teachers for TPCK in the reading content area: Insights from an action research study

Abstract

This mixed methods action research study had the researcher examining pre-service teachers' attitudes and dispositions toward technology pedagogical and content knowledge (TPCK) as they developed lesson plans for teaching early readers. Qualitative analysis of the lesson plans and technology therein, a panel interview and a project/presentation were augmented by quantitative data gathered from a survey and checklist. Results revealed ways in which the pre-service teachers used Internet technology, the sources from whom or which they learned about the technology, the criteria they used when choosing technology, and their perceptions of how technology training for early reading instruction could be improved. Themes were noted within and across the data sets with implications for teacher educators as they design teacher technology learning experiences in the literacy content areas.

Reference

Howrey, S. (2016). Preparing Pre-service Teachers for TPCK in the Reading Content Area: Insights from an Action Research Study. Literacy Practice & Research, 41(2), 13-21.

Journal

Journal of Reading Education

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

Action Research
mixed methods

Geographic Setting

Southeastern United States

Institutional Context

University based

Certification Level

early childhood
Special Education

Programatic Focus

early childhood education
Special Education

Research Location Context

field-based literacy assessment and instruction course

Preservice Participants

undergraduate preservice teachers

Preservice Sample Size

Duration of Data Collection

Academic Semester

Data Sources

checklists
Interviews
lesson plans
Survey

Data Analysis Tools

Constant comparative analysis
Open Coding (Tesch, 1990)
Triangulation

Researcher Positionality

inside (staying their own students)
Inside (studying their own programs)

Research Questions

How Did Pre-Service Teachers use Internet Technology in their Lesson Plans?
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes

What sources did the pre-service teachers find most valuable for learning about technology for reading instruction?
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes

What criteria did the pre-service teachers use when choosing technology for their lessons?
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes

What perceptions do pre-service teachers hold regarding how technology training might be improved?
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes