What Are Inclusive Practices? Using Mind Maps as a Method of Elicitation With Teacher Educators

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 9:50 am Four Seasons Ballroom 1
  In Roundtable Session: Mapping Our Inquiry: Body, Mind, and Otherwise (Table 2)

Abstract

Examining different modalities that can elicit teacher educators’ understandings of nuanced terminology such as “inclusive practice” can provide insight into the rich and multifaceted perspectives of the educators preparing our future teachers. This presentation will share how mind maps were used to elicit the understandings and perspectives of three groups of teacher educators: instructors, supervisors, and mentor teachers, working across one equity-centered teacher preparation program. Initial findings suggest that mind maps can be beneficial for teacher educators as they articulate the complexities, tensions, and possibilities of using inclusive practices in their work with teacher candidates. Despite these benefits, participants experienced tension and nervousness when creating these maps. Through these findings, opportunities and considerations for future research will be explored.

Author

• Rachel Silva, University of Rhode Island