Professional identity tensions are a common part of teachers' experience and have been shown to present opportunities for professional growth when approached as a learning opportunity. This study investigated the use of a questionnaire as a tool within an at-tension pedagogical approach. Authors collected data from six teacher candidates enrolled…

Despite the large numbers of Chinese students in Western TESOL and English language teacher (ELT) programs, very little research has been conducted on these students and we know little about their practicum teaching. This qualitative research study addresses this knowledge gap by investigating the student teaching and post-lesson reflections of…

This research study examined the relationship between years of traditional classroom teaching experience and teaching in school library instructional environments. Data for the study emerged from formal observations of MLS candidates' practicum teaching in school libraries. Participants in the study were examined based on the following levels of…

Practicum placements in schools are keystone features of preservice teacher education, yet inconsistencies in their nature and quality are pervasive. This phenomenon was explored in two cultural contexts, with a focus on 'belonging', which the literature reveals may impact practicums and commitment to the profession. Interviews were conducted with…

The pursuit of excellence in preparing student teachers for the teaching profession is a never-ending endeavour. This study aimed at investigating the value of teaching practice as perceived by the participants, how they determined such value using human judgement and whether value judgement can be used as a form of reflection during teaching…

The emphasis on English language learner (ELL) education in the United States has shifted heavily toward integrated content and language instruction. Now, English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) teachers are expected to teach language through content areas, such as math, in an effort to meet the needs of ELLs. However, ESOL teacher…

This article presents some of the results of a qualitative research project about the influences of the pedagogic strategies used by a mediator (graduate student in applied linguistics) in the supervision process of a Teletandem partner (undergraduate student in languages) on her pedagogical practice. It was done within the project…

Programs designed to improve the teaching skills of graduate students may serve two purposes: (1) to improve the quality of teaching received by undergraduates enrolled in courses taught by graduate student teaching assistants, and (2) to help prepare the graduate student for future professional teaching responsibilities. Several academic units at…

During a practicum teaching experience, preservice English-as-a-Second-Language teachers provided narrative statements on their beliefs about second-language teachers and teaching, teaching intentions, and perceptions of instructional practice. Images from prior experiences within formal language classrooms significantly affected teachers' images…

Student teachers' thoughts about teaching can shape, foster, or impede their growth toward expert pedagogy. This study examined the thoughts about teaching of two groups of student teachers--45 graduate and 63 undergraduate students. The professional coursework of both groups was very similar, with one exception--graduate students had no practica…

Fifteen University of Oregon undergraduate education majors participated in a successful 3-day program of total immersion in rural community living and teaching in Condon, Oregon. The field experience model had unique elements: (1) the course was offered as an alternative to a required course in teaching strategies and student teachers were…