Simulations as a Tool for Preparing Teachers to Engage in Equitable Instruction

Session Type: Invited Speaker Session

Abstract

Beginning teachers need a great deal of practice to develop classroom skills and cultivate productive beliefs and dispositions. Teacher education programs have traditionally used clinical experiences—like student teaching—as the arena for developing such skills, beliefs, and dispositions. Though practice in real classrooms is invaluable, it also presents some limitations. As a result, an increasing number of teacher preparation programs are utilizing simulations of teaching as a complement to clinical practice. This session will highlight distinct approaches to supporting high-quality, equitable teaching with simulations. Panelists will describe how their teacher education programs are using simulations to promote and assess candidates' development of skilled, equitable instructional practice. Panelists will highlight the goals, content, and theory for using simulation to bolster candidate developments.

Sub Unit

• Division K - Teaching and Teacher Education

Chair

• Julie Jackson Cohen, University of Virginia

Panelists

• Julie Jackson Cohen, University of Virginia

• Justin F. Reich, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

• Meghan M. Shaughnessy, Boston University

• Gregory Benoit, Boston University

• Jennie Chiu, University of Virginia