Collaborations in the Community: Innovative Early Field Experiences in Alternative Settings

• In Event: 35.078 - MTCC Roundtable Session 14
  In Roundtable Session: 35.078-1 - Community-Based Field Experiences That Build Preservice Teachers' Critical Consciousness

Abstract

The demands of the teaching profession have increased. Thus, teacher educator programs are investigating ways to better prepare pre-service teachers for this educational climate. Alternative early field experiences may positively impact pre-service teachers’ cultural awareness, flexibility, communication, and self-efficacy (Burant & Kirby, 2001; Coffey, 2010; Gurvitch & Metzler, 2009; Purdy & Gibson, 2008).
One university collaborated with local school districts and nonprofit organizations to design an alternative early field experience; placements ranged from larger schools to three-room schools to a children’s museum. The researchers conducted a mixed-methods study to explore pre-service teachers’ perceptions of their professional development during their field placement. Overall, pre-service teachers noted impacts on classroom management, self-efficacy, and belief. Program adjustments occurred based on stakeholder suggestions.

Authors

• Donna Bulatowicz, Montana State University - Billings

• Joe Hicks, Montana State University

• Beth Kennedy