ERIC Number: EJ1174736
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018
Pages: 30
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Preservice Special Education Teachers' Perceptions: The Influence of University Coursework, Context, and Relationships, during the Clinical Teaching Experience
McElwee, Christine B.; Regan, Kelley; Baker, Pamela Hudson; Weiss, Margaret P.
Teacher Educators' Journal, v11 p91-104 Spr 2018
The purpose of this study was to investigate to what extent context and relationships influence preservice teachers' appropriation of coursework during the clinical experience. While there is a dearth of research regarding the clinical experience in teacher preparation programs, there are even fewer studies investigating special education teacher candidates' perspectives of their clinical teaching experiences. Interview and observational data as well as documents were collected following the completion of an eight to sixteen week clinical teaching experience. Results from this qualitative study indicated that the relationship with mentor teachers and the context of the clinical teaching setting influenced the participants' appropriation of coursework, decision-making, and overall development during their final clinical teaching experiences. Implications for future research and practice regarding the clinical practice experience in teacher preparation programs are provided.
Descriptors: Preservice Teachers, Special Education Teachers, Student Attitudes, Teaching Experience, Clinical Experience, Teacher Education Programs, Preservice Teacher Education, Internship Programs, Qualitative Research, Mentors, Special Education, Teacher Certification, Disabilities, Semi Structured Interviews, Course Content, Observation
Association of Teacher Educators in Virginia. Shenandoah University, Winchester, VA 22601. e-mail: ehthomps@ehc.edu; Web site: http://ateva.org/?page_id=450
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A