Preservice Middle School Science Teachers' Practices of Leading Discussion in a Simulated Classroom Environment

• In Event: 79.031 - Ambitious Teaching and High-Leverage Practices: Preparing Preservice Science Teachers Across Contexts

Abstract

The field of practice-based teacher education (PBTE) is shifting toward a common language for teacher education focusing on instruction grounded in high expectations for all students. This vision is driven by descriptions of "high-leverage practices" of teaching. Leading a discussion has been described as a high-leverage practice, associated with practices of “responsive teaching”. One avenue to provide practice in leading discussion is an approximation of practice in a virtual classroom environment with student “avatars”. We explore how a class of pre-service middle school science teachers approached discussions with the avatars and the ways in which the discussions aligned with their goals. We discuss how these findings can inform opportunities for teacher education.

Authors

• Daniel M. Levin, University of Maryland - College Park

• Dana Lynn Grosser-Clarkson, University of Maryland

• Elizabeth Fleming, University of Maryland - College Park

• Alexander Chumbley, University of Maryland - College Park

• Natalia Galvez Molina, University of Maryland - College Park

• Amman A. Haque, University of Maryland - College Park

• Peter Chin, University of Maryland - College Park