SoTL Commons Conference Presenters
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10.3 – Room 2905
Student Expression of Beliefs as Curricular Content: How Student Products Can Stimulate Learner Growth (pr-2)
Steve Whitaker (Longwood University): whitakersd@longwood.edu
Pam Aerni (Longwood University): aernipw@longwood.edu
First-year education students demonstrate enthusiasm about their chosen careers, but also possess unrealistic notions about teaching. Instructors must find ways to let students explore and express their beliefs about education, often in large classes that discourage traditional means of expression. Further, instructors must use these beliefs as foundations for discussions about the real nature of teaching while still maintaining students' excitement. Presenters will describe how their students are given opportunities to reflect on teaching and share their ideas through a variety of media. Presenters will discuss the challenges described, the research-based reasons to address them; present a sampling of student work from their courses; and discuss methods used to help students work through their ideas about teaching. Attendees of this session will experience a brief discussion before experiencing student products from the presenters' classes. They will then be given the opportunity to discuss the framework and ask questions.