How Generative AI Teaching Simulations Can Support Elementary Preservice Teachers' Elicitation of Student Thinking

• In Event: Immersive and Experiential Learning with Simulations

Abstract

Preservice teachers (PSTs) need to elicit student thinking to be responsive and effective practitioners. To support their development of this skill, four elementary PSTs prepared for, engaged in, and reflected on a digital teaching simulation at two different timepoints as part of their elementary mathematics methods course. We observed the in-class reflection activities and conducted semi-structured interviews with each PST after these experiences to examine the PSTs’ perceptions about: (a) the affordances and challenges of these experiences and (b) how the experiences impacted their elicitation abilities. Findings indicate that PSTs perceived the simulation experiences as helpful, particularly when coupled with expert support, reflection opportunities, and personalized feedback, and supportive in improving the quality of their questions, sequencing, and instructional approach.

Authors

• Heather Jorgenson, ETS

• Jamie N. Mikeska, Educational Testing Service