Exploring the Potential of an Online Suite of Practice-Based Activities for Supporting Preservice Elementary Teachers in Learning How to Facilitate Argumentation-Focused Discussions in Mathematics and Science

This study explored the use of a three-part suite of practice-based activities -- one- and two-player online simulations, an avatar-based simulation, and a virtual teaching simulator—for supporting preservice teachers in learning how to facilitate argumentation-focused discussions in elementary mathematics and science. We share findings from analysis of survey data examining four elementary teacher educators’ perceptions about using these activities within their respective elementary methods courses. Findings suggest the teacher educators perceived the activities as supporting their preservice teachers’ learning and reinforced the need for teacher educators to have adequate time to prepare for integrating these activities into teacher education courses.

Mikeska, J. N., Shekell, C., Maltese, A., Reich, J., Thompson, M. M., Howell, H., Lottero-Perdue, P., & Park
Rogers, M. (2022). Exploring the potential of an online suite of practice-based activities for supporting preservice elementary teachers in learning how to facilitate argumentation-focused discussions in mathematics and science. In E. Langran (Ed.), Proceedings of Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference (pp. 2000-2010). San Diego, CA, United States: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE).