Rehearsals in clinical placements: Scaffolding teacher candidates’ literacy instruction
Abstract
Rehearsals are lesson enactments with feedback prior to implementation with students, and are one facet of practice-based teacher education with an aim to promote ambitious teaching in all contexts. This study explores how rehearsals, related to literacy instruction, were enacted in an urban K–8 school between teacher candidates and their mentor teachers. Data collection included two structured interviews with each mentor and teacher candidate, and two rehearsal observations. Results indicate classroom mentors (a) provided specific, contextualized, individualized feedback in a range of ways, (b) connected feedback to underlying principles, and (c) asked teacher candidates to “rewind” and reteach rehearsed segments integrating feedback, which garnered additional and more refined practice opportunities. This study suggests that in the right circumstances rehearsals, which typically occur in higher education coursework, can enhance literacy instruction in clinical settings. Limitations and recommendations for if and how to integrate rehearsals in K–12 settings are also provided.
Reference
Gardiner, W. (2018). Rehearsals in clinical placements: Scaffolding teacher candidates' literacy instruction. The Teacher Educator, 53(4), 384-400.
Journal
The Teacher Educator
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
Preservice Participants
Preservice Sample Size
10
Other Participant Data
Duration of Data Collection
Data Sources
Data Analysis Tools
Researcher Positionality
- inside (staying their own students)
Research Questions
How are literacy rehearsals enacted between teacher candidates and mentor teachers?
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes
In what ways, if any, do mentors and teacher candidates find value in literacy rehearsals?
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes
What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of implementing literacy rehearsals in clinical settings with mentor teachers?
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes