“If the Lesson Is Not Going as Planned, Learn From It and Adapt”: Examining a Hybrid Field Experience

Abstract

This article examines the possibilities of supplementing field experiences with digitally mediated third spaces as a way to foster relationships between urban youth and middle-class teacher candidates. Pairing these experiences with a well-remembered events framework, this study explores how relationships built primarily through digital tools influence preservice teachers’ understanding of teaching. Drawing upon 4 months of data, composed of preservice teachers’ reflections, this study examines the experiences identified by preservice teachers as memorable and unpacks the lessons digitally mediated experiences provide. This study concludes by pointing to technology as a potential solution for helping teacher education institutions create meaningful experiences between preservice teachers and youth in urban centers.

Keywords::

• technology
• teacher education
• culturally responsive teaching

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Robyn Seglem

Dr. Robyn Seglem is an associate professor in the School of Teaching and Learning at Illinois State University. Dr. Seglem teaches literacy courses to middle and secondary preservice teachers from 20 content areas, as well as graduate-level literacy and educational technology courses. Her primary research interests include technology’s role in literacy, adolescent literacy, and content-area literacy. Her work has been published in venues such as Teachers College Record, The Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy, English Journal, Voices from the Middle, and The Journal of Language and Literacy Education. She has served as a co-director of the Flint Hills Writing Project, an affiliate with the National Writing Project, and is a nationally board-certified teacher. She taught for 9 years in the middle school and high school language arts classroom. Please address correspondence regarding this article to Dr. Robyn Seglem, School of Teaching & Learning, Campus Box 5330, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790-0001, USA. E-mail: [email protected]