Pre-service Teachers Change in Perceptions after Urban Field Experiences, Year 2

• In Event: Professional Best Practices in K-12 through Higher Education

Abstract

This study investigates pre-service teachers’ perceptions of urban schools. The researchers will study the changes in beliefs and attitudes toward urban schools as evidence after their four-year program involving urban experience field hours. Students were given a pre-survey in the First-Year Experience (FYE) course at the beginning of their first semester to report on their perceptions of urban schools (specifically in three areas: urban schools, students, and teachers). The following year, they completed the first post-test after completing field work in their Introduction to Education course. In addition, a new cohort was developed with in-coming freshman. Three post-surveys will then be administered, each at the end of subsequent courses that require considerable number of hours in urban school settings as field requirements. We will analyze the data quantitatively to determine any relationships and trends that occur because of their time in urban field placements. Implications of these findings will impact preservice teacher’s preparation programs and prepare students for working in urban schools

Authors

• Kathleen Cripe, Youngstown State University

• Kenneth Miller, Youngstown State University

• Susan Miller, Miami University