"I Felt Like a Real-Life Teacher”: Teacher Candidates Reflect on Development Through Simulations

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 1:45 pm - Gold 1
  In Roundtable Session: Reflection as Transformation: Preservice Teacher Learning Through Clinical Practice, Simulations, and Technology

Abstract

Teachers have access to supporting children in their formative years. As American children have become increasingly diverse, so too should the teachers who support them. Despite this, teacher preparation programs have, historically, funneled teacher candidates towards a narrow teacher identity. When clinical simulations are used for teacher preparation, teacher candidates are given the unique opportunity to engage in a situation before being told how they should engage. This study built from the written reflections of teacher candidates who engaged in six clinical simulations, revealing themes around complex experiences, development of skills, and conceptualization of self as a teacher. These themes have implications for future incorporation of simulations into teacher education.

Author

• Julie Harnett, Syracuse University