University Faculty Meets K–12 Reality: What Do Future Teachers Need to Learn?

• In Event: 72.048 - Roundtable Session 33
  In Roundtable Session: 72.048-6 - Professional Development for Teacher Educators: Lessons Learned

Abstract

Subject matter courses in teacher preparation programs often do not satisfy future teachers’ needs. The project’s goal was to improve undergraduate content courses at a California State University by providing professional development to university faculty and having them redesign their courses. During 8 days university faculty interacted with teacher training university faculty, K-12 classroom teachers, and faculty from different content areas to reflect on pedagogy, learn about K-12 classroom demands and redesign their courses. This case study interviewed and observed university faculty to explore effects of the professional development on their beliefs and teaching practices. Faculty reported changes in awareness about the needs of the future teachers, changes in their own pedagogy, and collaboration between faculty and with K-12 teachers.

Authors

• Christian Wandeler, California State University - Fresno

• Susan M. Tracz, California State University - Fresno

• Cathy Yun, California State University - Fresno

• Steven Hart, California State University - Fresno

• Frederick Peinado Nelson, California State University - Fresno

• Lisa H. Bennett, California State University - Fresno