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?

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

Research Approach

mixed methods
Qualitiative
Quantitative
Quasi-experimental

Geographic Setting

Australia

Institutional Context

University based

Certification Level

primary (Australian term)

Programatic Focus

not stated

Research Location Context

University

Preservice Participants

Undergraduates (university based program)

Preservice Sample Size

196

Duration of Data Collection

2 academic semesters

Data Sources

pre-/post-assessment

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