Technology Integration for Pre-Service Teachers: Evaluating the Team-Taught Cohort Model

Source: Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, Volume 19, Issue 1, January 2011, 23-43.

The authors evaluate the Team-Taught Cohort Model for preparing pre-service teachers to use technology in their classrooms.

This model involves a “block” of courses in combination with a field experience in the second year of a four-year university program.
Pre-service teachers are placed in cohort groups that participate in intensive coursework in curriculum, instruction, assessment, classroom management, and technology integration in balance with 18 full days of practicum experience.

This model provides pre-service teachers with an opportunity to integrate technology into a unit based on strong educational theory and current research.
The model also provides the pre-service teachers an opportunity to spend quality time in a middle or high school classroom with a mentor teacher while being supported and coached by a team of university faculty members in a technology-rich environment.

Results indicate that the Team-Taught Cohort Model is successful in increasing pre-service teachers’ competence and confidence in technology integration in the classroom.