Assessing Student Teaching Experiences: Perceptions of Teacher Candidates’ Preparedness

• In Event: Roundtable Session 25
  In Roundtable Session: Teacher Contribution to School Effectiveness

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate student teaching experiences by measuring teacher candidates’ perceptions of preparedness. The participants were 130 teacher candidates who had completed their student teaching as part of a program preparing them to teach children in pre-K through grade 6. Teacher candidates responded to the survey before and after their student teaching. A paired t-test was calculated to determine statistical mean differences on five categories before and after student teaching: a) pedagogical content knowledge, b) planning and preparation for instruction, c) classroom management, d) promoting family involvement, and e) professionalism. Results showed that mean differences of all of the paired items between pre and post survey were shown to be statistically significant.

Authors

• Joohi Lee, The University of Texas - Arlington

• Kathleen Tice, The University of Texas - Arlington

• Denise Collins, The University of Texas - Arlington

• Janet Melton, The University of Texas - Arlington

• Amber L. Brown, The University of Texas - Arlington

• Cleta Smith, The University of Texas - Arlington

• Jill Fox, University of Houston - Victoria