Publication Date
12-2022
Abstract
A team of teacher education researchers conducted a qualitative study to explore how teacher candidates viewed the teacher’s role in teaching students to write. Participants (N = 107) enrolled in writing-focused methods courses across four universities completed a reflective quick write near the end of the course. Since writing is a complex and multidimensional activity, these responses were analyzed through the theoretical framework of social cognitive theory. When describing the role of the teacher, the data indicated candidates across all institutions primarily focused on the affective aspects of teaching writing, specifically supporting and developing students’ confidence in writing. Some mentioned the need for explicit instruction such as developing students’ writing skills and use of strategies. A smaller percentage included both the importance of affective and explicit instruction. Many candidates indicated the significance of the role that teachers play in students learning to write. Implications for writing pedagogy support within and beyond teacher preparation are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Myers, J., Tracy, K., Wall, A., Smetana, L. D., Ikpeze, C. H., Kline, S. M., Raskauskas, J., Scales, R. Q., McQuitty, V., & Hickey, P. (2022). The Teacher’s Role in Writing: A Study of Teacher Candidates’ Perceptions. Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts, 61 (3). Retrieved from https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/reading_horizons/vol61/iss3/2
Included in
Curriculum and Instruction Commons, Language and Literacy Education Commons, Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons
