Writing Instruction for Teacher Candidates: Strengthening a Weak Curricular Area
Abstract
In this case study, two teacher educators in literacy examined teacher candidates' (N = 24) learning of writing instruction across a three-course sequence of literacy methods. Data collected included a survey of candidates' knowledge of writing instruction, their formal observations of writing lessons in their student-teaching placements, a writing lesson co-constructed with a cooperating teacher during their final student-teaching placement, and structured reflections on the observations and lessons. The researchers found that little writing instruction occurred in the schools where teacher candidates were placed and that reading and reading skills dominated observed literacy instruction. Teacher candidates valued particular elements of process writing (focus on student needs, choice, scaffolding, student interest and engagement, and literacy skills). Lesson plans and reflections toward the end of the academic sequence demonstrated that teacher candidates' knowledge about writing instruction increased in complexity and that their beliefs and their practices were somewhat aligned. Implications for teacher education programs include a need to provide scaffolded and distributed instruction for new teachers in the area of writing instruction.
Reference
Grisham, D. L., & Wolsey, T. D. (2011). Writing instruction for teacher candidates: Strengthening a weak curricular area. Literacy Research and Instruction, 50(4), 348-364.
Journal
Literacy Research and Instruction
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
- Case study
- Qualitiative
- Quantitative
- Survey
Geographic Setting
Institutional Context
Certification Level
Programatic Focus
Research Location Context
Preservice Participants
Preservice Sample Size
24
Duration of Data Collection
Data Sources
- End-of-course evaluations
- lesson plans
- Observations
- reflections
- Survey
Data Analysis Tools
- Constant comparative analysis
Researcher Positionality
- inside (staying their own students)
Research Questions
What Elements of Writing Instruction do Teacher Candidates Value?
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes
What Elements of Writing Instruction do Teacher Candidates Use in Their Lessons in Field Placements?
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes
What Effect Does Direct Teaching of Writing Instruction in a Literacy Methods Course Have on Teacher Candidates’ Knowledge of Writing Instruction and Their Self-Efficacy in Teaching Writing?
Is this research question explicit from the manuscript? Yes