Rocky Mountain Educational Research Association. Dispositions of Beginning Elementary Teacher Candidates

• In Event: The Consortium of State and Regional Educational Research Associations: Distinguished Paper Session 1

Abstract

Case-study methodology was used to explore the dispositions (professional attitudes, values, and beliefs) of teacher candidates in an undergraduate elementary education degree program. The study involved interviews and observations of beginning teacher candidates as well as course document analysis. The researcher is a teacher educator who serves as an instructor in the initial semester of professional coursework for these candidates. Findings revealed that teacher candidates are starting to demonstrate some of the dispositions of effective teachers and also display specific areas that are underdeveloped. Notably, participants exhibit some discrepancy between their perceptions and observed actions.

Author

• Amy Bartlow, Pittsburg State University