The role of epistemological beliefs in preservice teachers’ interpretation of video cases of early-grade literacy instruction

Abstract

This study investigated how preservice teachers’ beliefs about the nature of knowledge influence how they learn from, and interact with, a case-based hypermedia system designed to highlight exemplary elementary literacy instruction. Specifically, we examined if teacher preparation students’ epistemological beliefs influenced what cases they selected, and how it further served as a lens in their reflective writing about their clip selections. The quantitative and qualitative analyses (case studies) focused on two epistemological beliefs—Fixed Ability and Simple Knowledge. The results illustrate that preservice teachers select video cases consistent with their prior epistemological beliefs, and their descriptions of what they find salient about those cases confirm their prior held beliefs. The findings from this study add to the theoretical literature and suggest future directions for research.

Reference

Yadav, A. & Koehler, M. (2007). The role of epistemological beliefs in preservice teachers’ interpretation of video cases of early-grade literacy instruction. Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, 15(3), 335-361.

Journal

Journal of Technology and Teacher Education

Analysis

Is this article part of a larger project or series of studies?

Does this study draw on a large, preexisting data set?

Research Approach

Case study
Qualitiative
Quantitative

Geographic Setting

Midwestern USA

Institutional Context

University based

Certification Level

Elementary
K-6

Programatic Focus

Elementary

Research Location Context

Literacy methods course

Preservice Participants

Undergraduates (university based program)

Preservice Sample Size

Duration of Data Collection

Academic Semester

Data Sources

Epistemological survey (Schemer, 1990)
Video Viewing Task
written responses to film clips

Data Analysis Tools

ANOVA
Case study analysis
coding (non-specific)
Coding with inter-rater reliability check

Researcher Positionality

inside (staying their own students)

Research Questions

Do students' epistemological beliefs influence what cases they select within the hypermedia system?
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Combination

Do students' epistemological beliefs influence what they observe and find salient within each case they select?
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Combination