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Full-Text Articles in Education
A Cooperating Teacher, A Supervisor, And A Critical Confidant: The Journey Moving Toward A New Model Of Support For Student Teachers, Christina C. Pfister, Sophia Paljevic
A Cooperating Teacher, A Supervisor, And A Critical Confidant: The Journey Moving Toward A New Model Of Support For Student Teachers, Christina C. Pfister, Sophia Paljevic
Northwest Journal of Teacher Education
Extensive research has found that student teaching is a challenging experience for pre-service teachers (PSTs). This paper proposes a new model for the student teaching experience where PSTs have a cooperating teacher, supervisor, and also a special mentor called a Critical Confidant. We collected survey data over the course of three consecutive semesters to determine PST’s perceptions. Results indicate that PSTs found having a Critical Confidant to be an overwhelmingly positive experience. PSTs felt safe because of the non-evaluative Critical Confidant role. They appreciated support from someone who had more experience but who was not yet an expert teacher. Implications …
Preservice Teachers' Understandings Related To Language In The Mathematics Classroom, Amanda T. Sugimoto
Preservice Teachers' Understandings Related To Language In The Mathematics Classroom, Amanda T. Sugimoto
Northwest Journal of Teacher Education
Mathematics reforms are highlighting the important role that language plays in mathematics education. However, there remains a common misconception that mathematics is somehow language-free. This qualitative study explored 67 elementary preservice teachers’ developing understandings about the role of language in the mathematics classroom based on their practicum experiences. Iterative, open-coding techniques were used to analyze mentor teacher advice and preservice teachers’ observations of mentor teachers teaching a mathematics lesson. The tool helped focus preservice teachers’ attention on language in the mathematics classrooms. Implications are identified for mentor and preservice teachers’ knowledge and skill development toward linguistically responsive teaching practices.