Transforming Teacher Education Through Autoethnography: Learning From COVID-19

• In Event: Friday Roundtable Session 7:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: Reimagining Possibilities for Teacher Education (Table 27)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic forced teacher educators, student teachers, and teachers worldwide to go from in-person to virtual learning. The sudden and drastic change and the unknown aspects of a mysterious virus spreading worldwide caused many to alter their teaching and research approaches. I researched how teacher educators used autoethnography to understand the pandemic. Autoethnography centers on the subjective aspects of qualitative research. Through a methodical process of analyzing individual and collaborative autoethnographies produced during the pandemic, I synthesized three results: Unity, Change via Community, and Universal Adaptability. Transforming teacher education through individual AND collaborative self-reflexive practices will produce positive educational outcomes for our students and future participants in our society.

Author

• Tommy Ender, Rhode Island College