Teacher candidates’ perceptions of their learning and engagement in a writing methods course.
Abstract
In this paper we examine teacher candidates' perceptions of learning and learning opportunities in a semester-long course writing methods course. Results from this study indicate candidates felt they had developed understandings of writing, teacher practices, and themselves as writers. They also indicate that three factors fostered candidates' engagement in learning experiences: (1) learning across multiple activity settings, (2) interactions with peers, and (3) overlapping experiential learning roles as both teachers and writers. These factors provide a useful framework for planning and implementing learning activity in practice-focused teacher education. Other implications for teacher education programs, teacher educators, and researchers are discussed.
Reference
Martin, S. D., & Dismuke, S. (2015). Teacher candidates' perceptions of their learning and engagement in a writing methods course. Teaching and Teacher Education, 46, 104-114. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2014.11.002 0742-051X
Journal
Teaching and Teacher Education
Analysis
Is this article part of a larger project or series of studies?
unclear
Does this study draw on a large, preexisting data set?
no
Research Approach
- Mixed Design/Descriptive
- Phenomenological
Geographic Setting
Institutional Context
Certification Level
Programatic Focus
Research Location Context
- Language arts methods
- University
Preservice Participants
- Undergraduates (university based program)
- Undergraduates in a Reading and Language Arts methods course
Preservice Sample Size
37
Other Participant Data
Duration of Data Collection
Data Sources
- course materials
- Questionnaire
- student work
- Syllabi from University courses
- Writing Artifacts
- writing prompts
- written responses
Data Analysis Tools
- Constant comparative analysis
- Likert Scale
- Qualitative Content Analysis
- Triangulation
Researcher Positionality
- inside (staying their own students)
- Inside (studying their own practices)
- Inside (studying their own programs)
Research Questions
"What are candidates' perceptions about their learning in a writing methods course?"
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes
"What are candidates' perceptions of the learning opportunities available this course?"
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes
"How do candidates' understandings link to visions for future practice?"
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes