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?
no
Does this study draw on a large, preexisting data set?
no
Research Approach
- Action Research
- mixed methods
Geographic Setting
- Southeastern United States
Institutional Context
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
20
Duration of Data Collection
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