Iterations of Thirdspaces in Virtual Middle-Grades Instruction

• In Event: Thursday Roundtable Session 9:00 am
  In Roundtable Session: Meeting the Needs of Young Adolescents: An Exploration of Perceptions and Practices (Table 7)

Abstract

Recognizing that a successful middle school is one where students’ academic and
personal development are fostered and guided by adult advocates (Bishop & Harrison, 2021), we
describe the importance of thirdspaces for middle grades students and present some forms those
thirdspaces might take in virtual educational models. To do this, we draw on findings from a case
study of a middle school in the southeastern United States. We explore various types of virtual thirdspaces the teachers at this middle school created during the COVID-19 pandemic; we offer their insights into how students engaged with those spaces; and finally we suggest ways to adapt such thirdspaces for other modes of virtual and hybrid schooling for young adolescents.

Authors

• Rachel Ranschaert, University of North Texas

• Hilary E. Hughes, University of Georgia

• Kelsey Benson, University of Georgia

• Dylan Brody, University of Georgia

• Amy S Murphy, University of Georgia