Pulling Back the Curtain: Engaging Preservice Teachers in Expert Practices of Evaluation and Reflection

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Pulling Back the Curtain: Engaging Preservice Teachers in Expert Practices of Evaluation and Reflection
Language: English
Authors: Dawan Coombs, Jonathan Ostenson
Source: English Journal. 2014 103(6):45-51.
Availability: National Council of Teachers of English. 1111 West Kenyon Road, Urbana, IL 61801-1096. Tel: 877-369-6283; Tel: 217-328-3870; Web site: http://www.ncte.org/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 7
Publication Date: 2014
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Preservice Teacher Education, Preservice Teachers, Methods Courses, Assignments, Reflection, English Teacher Education, Methods Teachers, Teacher Evaluation, Feedback (Response)
DOI: 10.58680/ej201425761
ISSN: 0013-8274
2161-8895
Abstract: In this article, the English teacher educator authors explore the parallel journeys of their students and themselves that resulted from asking preservice teachers in their methods courses to participate in an assignment specifically crafted to examine the instructors' practice to cultivate reflection on the students' future practices. The authors wondered if students "pulled back the curtain" and attended to the underlying choices and mechanics of their teachers' teaching? Would such a vantage point allow a more realistic view of pedagogical execution? Could preservice teachers recognize the value of personal feedback and reflection on their own practice? This invitation served as a central element of the authors' own professional development as well as that of the preservice teachers in their classes. Ultimately, this assignment introduced the students to the feedback process and cultivated their teacher identities as they moved along the path from novice to professional. At the same time, it provided the authors opportunities to reflect on and refine their own practice.
Abstractor: ERIC
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1465794
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:In this article, the English teacher educator authors explore the parallel journeys of their students and themselves that resulted from asking preservice teachers in their methods courses to participate in an assignment specifically crafted to examine the instructors' practice to cultivate reflection on the students' future practices. The authors wondered if students "pulled back the curtain" and attended to the underlying choices and mechanics of their teachers' teaching? Would such a vantage point allow a more realistic view of pedagogical execution? Could preservice teachers recognize the value of personal feedback and reflection on their own practice? This invitation served as a central element of the authors' own professional development as well as that of the preservice teachers in their classes. Ultimately, this assignment introduced the students to the feedback process and cultivated their teacher identities as they moved along the path from novice to professional. At the same time, it provided the authors opportunities to reflect on and refine their own practice.
ISSN:0013-8274
2161-8895
DOI:10.58680/ej201425761