Understanding Secondary ELA Pre-Service Teachers’ Curricular Experiences: Insights from Clinical Placements in Diverse School Contexts

• In Event: Virtual Poster Session
  In Virtual iPresentation Only: Division K - Section 05: Pre-Service Teacher Coursework and Clinical Practice Virtual Poster Session

Abstract

During their clinical experiences, secondary ELA student teachers will encounter various curricular types. This qualitative study examined how student teachers viewed the feasibility and acceptability of the curricula they experienced during student teaching, and the effect the curricula had on constructs like autonomy and self-efficacy. Seven secondary ELA student teachers completed two interviews and two reflections. Four themes emerged: 1) generally positive perceptions of curricula, 2) variations in beliefs and experiences depending on the type and flexibility of the curricula, 3) impact of implementing mentor teachers’ materials on self-efficacy, and 4) critical role of the mentor-student teacher relationship on self-efficacy. Findings have implications for teacher preparation programs seeking to prepare teacher educators to work with various curricular types successfully.

Authors

• Jessie O'Brien-Sheats, Lehigh University

• Brook Sawyer, Lehigh University