Preparing Preservice Secondary Teachers to Support Linguistically Diverse Students' Science Learning Through Coaching in TeachLivE

• In Event: An Examination of Learning Environments in STEM Education and the Use of Technology

Abstract

As the United States continues to become more culturally and linguistically diverse, teacher educators must prepare preservice teachers (PSTs) to support English language learners (ELs) in K-12 classrooms. Collaboration between science education, literacy, and second language acquisition faculty led to a tri-focal approach within a science methods course to better prepare secondary science PSTs. The purpose of this study was to explore how expert coaching following a microteaching lesson in a virtual simulation prepares PSTs to teach ELs, and to learn more about PSTs perceptions of their coaching experience. Findings from transcribed coaching sessions and written course evaluations show that coaching did help prepare PSTs to better support ELs in science classrooms. Significance for secondary science teacher education is presented.

Authors

• Kelsey Beeghly, University of Central Florida
  Presenting Author

• Su Gao, University of Central Florida
  Non-Presenting Author

• Vicky I. Zygouris-Coe, University of Central Florida
  Non-Presenting Author

• Joyce Watson Nutta, University of Central Florida
  Non-Presenting Author

• Haiyan Bai, University of Central Florida
  Non-Presenting Author