This paper explores the experiences and learning outcomes of preservice elementary teachers (PSTs) as they integrate computational thinking (CT) into their teaching practices during a structured field experience. Through a qualitative content analysis of video reflections from 27 PSTs, the study examines how teaching CT lessons to K-2 students…

This study examined preservice teachers' culturally responsive literacy teaching self-efficacy changes during the field experiences in relation to the sources of self-efficacy. I delved into the meanings under the theoretical frameworks of culturally responsive teaching and social cognitive theory. I explored 84 preservice teachers' experiences…

A team of teacher educators conducted a phenomenological study to explore the perceptions of teacher candidates (TCs), their cooperating teachers (CTs), and university supervisors (USs) during and after they participated in a redesigned seven-week practicum that led directly into seven weeks of student teaching. Data were collected via two surveys…

In the field of teacher education, the disconnect between university-based coursework and practical field experiences has long been a concern. To make teacher preparation coursework more meaningful, some programs partner with P-12 schools to offer site-based courses. Although situated learning for novices in practice-based professions makes sense,…

Purpose: To determine the influence of an elementary methods course and early field experience on eight preservice teachers' (PTs') value orientations. Method: The theoretical perspective employed was occupational socialization. Data were collected with the short form of the value orientation inventory and five qualitative techniques (formal and…

A large body of literature recognizes the many challenges teachers experience in the classroom. The research and subsequent article bring to light the concerns identified by undergraduate teacher candidates during a day-long field experience. The intention of the experience was to focus on literacy instruction; however, that was often overshadowed…

Invitational Education and literature circles elevated learning in this longitudinal qualitative study as undergraduate teacher candidates collaborated on digital projects. Multimodal instruction promoted innovative collaboration to lift learning and success to new levels in a university methods course. Through an intentionally inviting…

This study explores 17 elementary teacher candidates' perceptions of teaching mathematics before, during, after participating in a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) teaching and learning experience. Teacher candidates responded to their perceptions about teaching mathematics in STEM classrooms and elementary mathematics…

Increasing cultural diversity in American schools has made preparing graduates to work with diverse learners an essential goal of teacher education programs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of elementary (K-6) undergraduate preservice teachers (n=36) in a dual certification program regarding their personal and…

Background/Context: Many elementary teacher education programs seek to prepare candidates to enact ambitious mathematics instruction that supports students in engaging in rigorous, conceptually rich mathematics tasks. Extant literature suggests that preparedness to engage in ambitious elementary mathematics instruction is multifaceted and includes…

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the patterns of teacher-student negotiation that occurred when preservice teachers (PTs) taught within the teaching personal and social responsibility (TPSR) model. Method: The participants were seven PTs enrolled in an elementary early field experience. They taught three to four mini-units of…

Background/purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic created barriers for teacher preparation programs. Preservice teachers are typically assigned a host school and mentor where on-site, face-to-face classroom observation and teaching opportunities earn credit needed for graduation and to meet certain institutional accreditation requirements. Due to the…

The COVID-19 pandemic forced universities to quickly move instruction online. Faced with a remote-only mandate, this case study describes a virtual literacy tutoring field placement completed by teacher candidates (TCs) in an elementary education program. While in-person teaching remained their preferences, TCs felt the virtual tutoring experience…

The purpose of this instrumental case study was to examine preservice music educators' (PMEs) perceptions of a semester-long fieldwork experience first delivered in person and then asynchronously online. Using the community of inquiry (CoI) framework, I analyzed the PMEs' perceptions of their teaching presence in both fieldwork experiences.…

The global pandemic of COVID-19 has forced many learning institutions to close or switch to remote learning as a preventative measure to reduce the spread of the virus. The greatest challenge was with practical courses where preservice teachers had to promptly acquire technological skills and online teaching pedagogies as part of their virtual…