The Role of Vision in Trajectories of Literacy Practice Among New Teachers
Abstract
Evidence suggests that teachers' visions of their ideal teaching may account for some differences in their development and effectiveness. In this study, we investigate the visions of teachers with differing trajectories of change in their practice. The paper describes trends in teachers' visions in the pre-service and in-service years across one cohort of new teachers. We explore the characteristics of vision for three subgroups based on scores reflecting the quality of their practice: those whose practice improved, those whose practice became weaker, and those whose practice remained stable. Teachers who maintained high practice scores or showed improvement on practice scores held visions characterized by specificity and coherence. Two cases are presented to illustrate the role of vision in beginning teachers' practices. Implications for future research and teacher education are discussed.
Reference
McElhone, D. m., Hebard, H., Scott, R., & Juel, C. (2009). The Role of Vision in Trajectories of Literacy Practice Among New Teachers.Studying Teacher Education: Journal Of Self-Study Of Teacher Education Practices, 5(2), 147-158. doi:10.1080/17425960903306682
Journal
Studying Teacher Education: Journal Of Self-Study Of Teacher Education Practices
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
- Elementary school
- University
Preservice Participants
- Post bachs (university based program)
Preservice Sample Size
13
Duration of Data Collection
Data Sources
Data Analysis Tools
- Qualitative Analysis
- Rubric (4-point based on Kerbow & PACT)
Researcher Positionality
- inside (staying their own students)
- Inside (studying their own programs)
Research Questions
"How is the vision of literacy teaching at the end of the pre-service year related to vision at the end of the first year of teaching?"
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes
"What factors affect changes in vision over time (e.g., context, practice)?"
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Unknown
"What is the relationship between vision and the trajectory of change in practice from the pre-service year to the first year of teaching?"
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Unknown
"How should we modify our literacy courses in light of the findings?"
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Unknown