Profiles of Three Preservice ESOL Teachers’ Development of Instructional Scaffolding
Abstract
This study explored English as a second language (ESOL) preservice teachers’ conceptions of and abilities to provide scaffolded instruction. In-depth study of three interns indicated that each was unique with respect to their views of scaffolding and in the degree to which their implementation of scaffolded instruction changed over the course of the year. Participants differed in the focus of scaffolding and in their attempts to scaffold within lesson frameworks, across sequential lessons, and through responsive instruction. Though some preservice teachers can develop complex conceptions of the process, scaffolding is closely linked to interns’ understanding of language and literacy development.
Reference
Many, J. E., Dewberry, D., Taylor, D. L., & Coady, K. (2009). Profiles of Three Preservice ESOL Teachers' Development of Instructional Scaffolding. Reading Psychology, 30(2), 148-174.
Journal
Reading Psychology
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
Institutional Context
Certification Level
Programatic Focus
Research Location Context
- field placements (not related to methods courses)
- field-based methods course
Preservice Participants
- alternative master’s degree in reading, language, and literacy education
Preservice Sample Size
8
Duration of Data Collection
Data Sources
- fieldnotes
- Interviews
- lesson plans
- Observations
- philosophy of teaching statement
- portfolio
- written reflections/class papers
Data Analysis Tools
- coding (open to axial to selective
- Constant comparative analysis
Researcher Positionality
- Inside (studying their own programs)
Research Questions
How can ESOL interns’ initial and changing conceptions of instructional scaffolding be described?
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes
How can ESOL interns’ attempts to provide scaf- folded instruction be described?
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Unknown