From the Library of Congress Archives to the Classroom: Engaging Preservice Teachers in Inquiry

• In Event: Innovations in Preservice Teachers’ Social Studies Course Experiences

Abstract

This presentation highlights findings on a study of preservice teachers who received instruction on the integration of primary sources from the Library of Congress to foster emergent visual literacy and historical inquiry with young children through the developmentally appropriate use of artifacts and historical images. Subsequently, the preservice teachers designed and implemented a teacher inquiry project in which they taught the lesson in their field placement, collected data on learning outcomes, and reflected upon implementation strategies. The researchers conducted focus groups, delving into the preservice teachers' experiences with primary source document lesson planning and instruction. Data also included document analysis of lesson plans, student artifacts, and survey results on the development of research competencies among the program participants.

Authors

• Ilene R. Berson, University of South Florida

• Michael J. Berson, University of South Florida