What makes a successful student teacher in a teacher education program?
Date
2003
Authors
Platt, Shari
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 2003
Abstract
The purpose of this project was to explore and investigate specific factors, qualities, and
characteristics student teachers and teacher associates believe create teaching success in
the classroom during a teacher education program. Connections between teacher
education and the art of teaching were analyzed, particularly with respect to student
teachers' beliefs of preparedness to teach. Student participants in this project submitted to
two face-to-face audiotape interviews. Interviews were conducted directly following the
conclusions of Professional Semesters I and II. Teacher participants completed written
anecdotal reports. The results were transcribed and analyzed. The method of analysis was
qualitative. The data were analyzed thematically. Student teachers do see the value in
most of the campus courses they take during Professional Semesters I and II. Both groups
of student teachers rated caring as the most important characteristic required for success
in the teaching profession, and both rated planning as most important to success in
classroom teaching. Results show that teacher associates do have some impact on the
overall attitudes and skills given to a preservice teacher. The study also shows a need for
the Faculty of Education to work more closely with inexperienced teacher associates. The
best mechanism for this is seen to be the strong, supportive, nurturing environments
formed among university consultants, student teachers, and teacher associates during the
practicum.
Description
v, 68 leaves ; 29 cm. --
Keywords
Student teachers -- Alberta , Student teaching -- Alberta , Teachers -- Training of -- Alberta