Challenge Without Choice: Impact of Loss of Placements on Preservice Teachers Working With At-Risk Youth

• In Event: Designing Innovative Field Experiences in the Context of COVID-19

Abstract

This work examined the impact of the loss of in-person placement days on pre-service teachers’ self-efficacy and perceived ability to reflect interests within their program due to COVID-19 school closures. Specifically, this was studied using a group of pre-service teachers in an elective stream focusing on working with at-risk youth who were unable to complete their community-based placements in-person. Data was collected via surveys administered before and after their winter semester placement experiences composed of a combination of validated scales and open-ended questions. Preliminary results show a decrease in pre-service teachers’ self-efficacy and perceived ability to reflect interests within their placements. Analysis of qualitative data collected in the survey is hoped to provide additional insight to these trends.

Authors

• Kristina Silver, Queen's University

• Sunaira Tejpar, Queen's University