Reflecting on Field Studies in Teacher Education: Experiences of Student Teachers in Sweden
Source: Journal of Early Childhood Teacher Education, Vol. 33, Issue 3, August 2012 , p. 287-299
The purpose of this paper is to describe how field studies can be useful in teacher education. Students teachers participated in a specialty area called Play, learning and development.
During this activity, the student teachers collected data about their own and young children's experience and perception of the outdoor environment.
The student teachers observed, carried out interviews from a questionnaire, took photos, and drew pictures.
After their own data collection, the student teachers were asked about their experiences of using these methods.
The results showed that the student teachers were positive about the involvement of children, teachers, and parents in the data collection process.
The participants also perceived that their knowledge had increased about children's ways of using the outdoor space.
However, the student teachers found the questionnaire difficult to understand; and they thought it was hard to complete the assignment because of the time restraints.
The authors conclude that field studies with varied methods are useful in teacher education.