How does a PGCE English programme challenge students’ preconceptions of writing and how writing is taught in primary classrooms?

Richardson, P and Whiting, C (2022) How does a PGCE English programme challenge students’ preconceptions of writing and how writing is taught in primary classrooms? In: The 57th UKLA International Conference, 1 - 3 July 2022, Birmingham, UK.

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Abstract

Our research paper is prompted by our experiences of student teachers’ embedded preconceptions towards writing: the teaching of writing; and perceiving themselves as writers. Some students had expressed negative experiences learning to write which could consequently influence their attitude towards writing (Draper, Barksdale-Ladd and Radencich, 2000), and their confidence and enjoyment in teaching writing to children (Morgan, 2010). Therefore, our aim was to ascertain student teachers’ preconceptions towards both writing, and the teaching of writing, in order to address any negative attitudes and hopefully boost student teachers' confidence and enjoyment in the teaching of writing. To assist us in this, we used Warford’s (2010) model of the ‘zone of proximal teacher development’ by constructing a three way conversation between student teachers’ prior experiences as writers; their current tacit beliefs towards writing and the teaching of writing; and their experiences of these on placement. This was achieved through a large-scale survey that was completed at different stages of the PGCE course. We positioned these surveys at different points across the course because we hoped to identify any shifts in their preconceptions. We also conducted focus groups with students to further reveal the tacit beliefs behind these preconceptions and how their experiences in university seminars and primary classrooms might have challenged, or perhaps reinforced, their held preconceptions. In collecting and analysing the data, we wanted to see what impact our programme has had in supporting student teachers to reflect on their preconceptions and develop their confidence and enjoyment in teaching writing.

Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
UN SDGs: Goal 4: Quality Education
Subjects: L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB1501 Primary Education
Divisions: School of Education
Date Deposited: 15 Aug 2023 17:08
Last Modified: 15 Aug 2023 18:35
URI / Page ID: https://researchspace.bathspa.ac.uk/id/eprint/15664
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