Relationships, Relationships, Relationships: Creating a Third Space Within School-University Partnerships

• In Event: 54.078 - Using Self-Study to Navigate School/University Partnerships

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to investigate, through self-study, the effects of our pedagogy designed to create hybrid spaces linking academic and practitioner knowledge within an integrated, school-based, and professionally-oriented semester. The backdrop for our attempts is that teacher education programs tend to be ineffective as teacher candidates struggle to use the research-based guidelines offered to them in their courses when they subsequently engage in their practicum placements. The importance of relationships emerged as the most significant theme. Sub-themes of co-constructing a common vision, negotiating alumni loyalties to other institutions, developing overlapping communities of practice, and creating new ways of integrating institutional requirements and partner desires provide insight into the creation of a third space in teacher education.

Authors

• Gladys Sterenberg, Mount Royal University

• Kevin O'Connor, Mount Royal University

• David Dillon, McGill University