Peer Placements in Early Childhood Classrooms: A Collaborative Model for Preservice Teachers

• In Event: Poster Session 9
  In Poster Session: Education and Assessment in the Professions

Abstract

Research has established the need for teachers to have opportunities for collaboration and feedback. In response, our program has implemented a peer placement model, where students complete their advanced practicums with a peer. The two students go to their placements at the same time, collaborating, reflecting, and providing one another with feedback. After four semesters using this model, results indicate the students appreciate learning from one another and having someone to talk to that can relate; mentor teachers are also reporting positive results, particularly in how reflective and supportive the students are with one another. Thus, the aim of this presentation is to share what the approach looks like, the impact it has on stakeholders, and resulting anecdotes.

Authors

• Kathryn Ann Ohle, University of Alaska Anchorage

• Hattie Harvey, The University of Alaska - Anchorage