ERIC Number: EJ1071087
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015
Pages: 24
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1547-688X
EISSN: N/A
Reconceptualizing Elementary Preservice Teacher Education: Examining an Integrated-Curriculum Approach
DeLuca, Christopher; Ogden, Holly; Pero, Elizabeth
New Educator, v11 n3 p227-250 2015
The majority of teacher education programs in North America require elementary-teacher candidates to complete separate courses in curriculum subject areas. This model to teacher education limits candidates' readiness to engage in interdisciplinary teaching and focuses preservice curriculum on content-specific pedagogies rather than on general, developmentally appropriate pedagogical practices. The purpose of this study was to explore an alternative approach to the preparation of elementary teachers. Specifically, this article examines the benefits and challenges of an integrated curriculum approach. Qualitative data were collected through a survey and focus group with 56 teacher candidates and interviews with 3 course instructors. Findings suggest that an integrated approach contributes to stronger relationships, broader conceptions of integration, greater emphasis on pedagogy, and enhanced efficiency in teaching. Challenges related to perceptions of content coverage and instruction expertise were also identified. Findings from this research provide a basis for reconceptualizing elementary-teacher education toward an integrated approach.
Descriptors: Preservice Teacher Education, Integrated Curriculum, Elementary School Curriculum, Concept Formation, Teacher Education Programs, Developmentally Appropriate Practices, Pedagogical Content Knowledge, Qualitative Research, Student Surveys, Teacher Surveys, Teacher Attitudes, Student Attitudes, Focus Groups, Curriculum Implementation, Mail Surveys, Semi Structured Interviews, Interpersonal Relationship, Instructional Effectiveness, Course Content, Expertise, Instructional Design, Educational Change, Educational Practices, Teaching Methods, Foreign Countries
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A