Holding S.P.A.C.E. Online During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Preservice Teacher Action Research Study

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 8
  In Roundtable Session: Teacher Research in a Pandemic

Abstract

With the Covid-19 pandemic affecting nearly every area of household health, social, and economic well-being, individuals and communities across all parts of society are facing unprecedented hardships. Inequitable access to technology and the internet, a lack of online teaching preparedness, and inadequate resources for families trying to support their children’s education have left millions of children disconnected and isolated (Cardenas et al., 2020; Rudenstine et al., 2020; Shimazu et al., 2020). In response to these challenges, seven preservice teachers and a teaching mentor created a weekly study group to conduct action research on how we can develop and maintain a holding environment through the use of technology during a four-week online summer academic enrichment program for 157 sixth-ninth graders.

Authors

• Allison JoAnn Lester, University of Cincinnati

• Delaney Rice

• Ryan Matthew Guenthner, Breakthrough Collaborative

• Andrew Richard LeBlanc, Xavier University

• Sam H Overkamp, University of Cincinnati

• Leah Simone Wade, Cincinnati Public Schools

• Myriam Ashley Wane, Breakthrough Collaborative