Preservice teacher knowledge of basic language constructs in Canada, England, New Zealand, and the USA
Abstract
The present study examined preservice teachers’ (PSTs) knowledge of basic language constructs across four different English-speaking teacher preparations programs. A standardized survey was administered to participants from Canada (n = 80), England (n = 55), New Zealand (n = 26), and the USA (n = 118). All participants were enrolled in undergraduate university programs that led to teacher certification for general education in the primary grades. Our data reveal that preservice teachers from all four countries show patterns of relative strength in areas that were targeted to be crucial within their national initiatives. Nevertheless, in general, PSTs demonstrated a lack of knowledge of certain constructs needed to teach early reading skills. The results are discussed in relation to research reports and initiatives regarding beginning reading instruction from each of the four countries.
Reference
Washburn, E. K., Binks-Cantrell, E. S., Joshi, R. M., Martin-Chang, S., & Arrow, A. (2016). Preservice teacher knowledge of basic language constructs in Canada, England, New Zealand, and the USA. Annals of dyslexia, 66(1), 7-26.
Journal
Annals of Dyslexia
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
- Canada
- England
- New Zealand
- United States
Institutional Context
Certification Level
Programatic Focus
Research Location Context
Preservice Participants
- Undergraduates (university based program)
Preservice Sample Size
279
Duration of Data Collection
Data Sources
- knowledge of language constructs scale Binks-Cantrell et al. (2012)
Data Analysis Tools
- Descriptive Analysis
- Descriptive statistics
Researcher Positionality
- Outside (not directly invested in the program or operations)
Research Questions
What knowledge and ability of basic language constructs do Canadian, English, New Zealander, and US preservice teachers possess?
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes
What, if any, patterns exist in and across groups of preservice teachers?
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes