Interpreting Student Thinking: What Can Novices Do at the Beginning of Teacher Education?

• In Event: 31.053 - Preservice Teachers' Understanding of Teaching

Abstract

There has been increasing focus on preparing preservice teachers (PSTs) for the work of teaching by focusing on specific instructional practices. Needed is knowledge of the skill with which PSTs can enact particular teaching practices upon entry to a teacher education program. This study examined the teaching practice of interpreting student thinking in elementary mathematics, illustrates how knowledge of this kind of skill can be gathered through the use of a teaching simulation, what such findings reveal about PSTs in one such program, and the implications of these findings. Findings suggest both strengths that can be built upon and areas for growth.

Authors

• Timothy A. Boerst, University of Michigan

• Meghan M. Shaughnessy, University of Michigan