What benefits can be derived from teaching knowledge about language to preservice teachers?
Abstract
Abstract: This paper evaluates the validity of teaching English grammar to preservice teachers in a teacher education course at a regional university. The course was delivered in blended mode using the grammar component of My Writing Lab Global (MWLG) and face-to-face instruction. The aim of this study was to establish if there are benefits to derive from teaching knowledge about language (KAL) to preservice teachers. Our quasi-experimental study found MWLG was well-received by participants who believed it had improved their KAL; this improvement was confirmed by 10% improvement on a pre and post KAL test (p < .001). MWLG scores and the KAL test also reliably predicted other academic competencies: the students’ accumulated GPA and their final written assessment scores for the course (r= .4 to .54; p < .01). Collectively, these findings suggest that explicit KAL is valued and valid knowledge and should be included in teacher education programs.
Reference
Carey, M.D, Christie, M., & Grainger, P. (2015). What benefits can be derived from teaching knowledge about language to preservice teachers? Australian Journal of Teacher Education 40(9), 15-30. http://dx.doi.org/10.14221/ajte.2015v40n9.2
Journal
Australian Journal of Teacher Education
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
- mixed methods
- Qualitiative
- Quantitative
- Quasi-experimental
Geographic Setting
Institutional Context
Certification Level
- primary (Australian term)
Programatic Focus
Research Location Context
Preservice Participants
- Undergraduates (university based program)
Preservice Sample Size
196
Duration of Data Collection
Data Sources
Data Analysis Tools
- Correlation
- Statistical analysis
Researcher Positionality
- Inside (studying their own programs)
Research Questions
The overarching aim is to evaluate the validity of teaching English grammar to pre-service teachers in a teacher education course at a regional university.
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes