Engaging preservice teachers in interdisciplinary collaboration and intervention in a reading clinic setting

Abstract

This convergent parallel mixed-methods pilot study explored the collaboration of preservice teachers (PSTs) in a university reading clinic. PSTs from a reading course and special education course were paired and shared responsibility for tutoring one child. Tutor surveys and focus group interview transcripts were used as data sources. Topics addressed by tutors related to benefits and barriers of collaboration, including the influence of collaborative relationships on their personal growth and on the growth of their tutee, strategies for establishing relationships and trust, and the ways they perceive collaboration as practice for future teaching. This study has implications for how teacher preparation program faculty prepare teachers to work alongside colleagues of various disciplines in future school settings.

Keywords:

• Interdisciplinary collaboration
• mixed methods research
• preservice teacher education
• reading intervention

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by a Research Enhancement Grant funded by Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi.

Notes on contributors

Bethanie C. Pletcher

Bethanie C. Pletcher is an Associate Professor at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi. Her research interests are literacy coaching, the design and implementation of reading clinics on university and elementary school campuses, and supporting emergent and early readers who experience reading difficulties.

Phyllis Robertson

Phyllis Robertson is an associate professor at Texas A&M University-Corpus. Her research explores structures and strategies for supporting all students, including emergent bilingual learners and those with disabilities, and the most effective mechanisms for preparing educators to implement them in public school environments.

Krystal Watson

Krystal Watson is a doctoral candidate at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi and the Dean of Student Services at Harold T. Branch Academy for Career and Technical Education. Her current research interests include early college high schools and educational best practices that support at-risk students.