The Power of/in the Pause: Youth Participants Transforming Discussion Rehearsals in Social Studies Methods

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 8:00 am Four Seasons Ballroom 4
  In Roundtable Session: Pedagogical Dimensions of Change in Teacher Education (Table 6)

Abstract

In social studies, discussions are pivotal for preparing novice teachers (NTs) to engage students as deliberative stakeholders. This study explores an innovative approach where 20 youth participants (YPs) attend social studies methods sessions, not only role-playing students but also pausing rehearsals to influence NTs' learning. Analyzing video data from 53 pauses in 9 rehearsals, the study investigates who pauses, the substance of these pauses, and the structures of discourse within them. Findings highligh how integrating youth as participants in rehearsals not only supports NTs' development but also disrupts traditional power dynamics, flattening hierarchies and democratizing teacher education.

Authors

• Andrew J. Schiera, University of Colorado - Boulder

• Andrew del Calvo, Rutgers University - New Brunswick