STEM in Hawaii: Exploring the Impact of an Innovative Field Trip Experience on Preservice Teachers

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 13
  In Poster Session: New Directions in Informal Learning Environments Research: Families, Communities, and Careers

Abstract

Although field trip has been recognized as a useful educational tool in teacher education programs, its innovated use has been limited. This study explored how innovative intensive field trips embedded in an interdisciplinary, field-based Study USA course to Hawaii impacted teacher candidates’ learning in terms of content knowledge, pedagogical skills, and personal interest pertinent to the STEM field. Based on analysis of qualitative data, the study found that the pre-service teacher participants gained substantially in terms of content knowledge and pedagogical skills related to STEM learning, and had their interest in STEM provoked. Findings from the study have important implications for practitioners and field trip designers in order to help pre-service teachers become more competent in teaching STEM related courses.

Authors

• Qiang (Andy) Cheng, The University of Mississippi

• P. Renee' Hill-Cunningham

• Erik Hom, The University of Mississippi