The Power of Place(ment): How Collaborative On-Site Methods Courses Encourage Interactive Growth Among Participants

• In Event: Moscone Center West Roundtable Session 13
  In Roundtable Session: Deepening Teacher Learning Through Contextualization, Placement, and High-Impact Practices

Abstract

Teacher preparation programs struggle to balance offering pre-service teachers nurturing spaces to practice their lessons while also adequately readying them for the rigors of actual classrooms. Methods courses and pre-service placements are intended to bridge these gaps, yet integrating those experiences poses challenges. This study compared two yearlong, site-based social studies methods courses for pre-service teachers. Community, relationship and confidence-building are analyzed through mentor, pre-service teacher and instructor reflections. The data provided many examples of the impact that this integrated experience had on participants and their teaching. Additionally, the site-based courses provide a path for teacher preparation programs to consider the important role practicing teachers can play in preparing pre-service teachers for their student teaching placements and own classrooms.

Authors

• Erin A. Bronstein, Oklahoma State University - Stillwater

• Scott Durham, Michigan State University