Reinventing the "Field" in Field Experiences: An Innovative Approach to Urban Science Teacher Preparation

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 5
  In Roundtable Session: Teaching Content in Context: Knowledge of Learners, Communities, and Learning

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the nature and impact of teacher candidates’ field experiences in an innovative urban preparation program in New York City— the Master of Arts in Teaching program at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH MAT). Data sources included interviews with participants, museum and school observations, and collection of artifacts and program documents. This paper argues that in order to prepare science teachers for NYC schools, the museum program recreated the urban teacher residency model by reinventing the concept of “field” in “field experience.” This argument is supported by three major findings about types of field experiences, socialization into multiple communities of practice, and the unique role of “senior specialists.”

Authors

• Marisa Olivo, Boston College

• Reid Jewett Smith, Boston College