Four ways pre-service teachers teach virtual pupils

Abstract

This study contributes to our understanding of how pre-service teachers (PSTs), studying to become middle school teachers, teach virtual pupils in a simulation setting. Such settings provide an opportunity for PSTs to practice teaching skills in a safe environment with the support of their teacher educators. It also enables researchers to study in detail how PSTs handle classroom interaction and teach content. The data comprises 102 recordings from teaching sessions, analyzed using qualitative analysis. The results show that the PSTs handle content and interact with virtual pupils in different ways. Four teaching styles were identified: (a) a confusing way of teaching, distinguished by misleading explanations in an IRE (Initiation-Response-Evaluation) structure; (b) an improvising way of teaching, distinguished by messy explanations following pupils’ questions; (c) a lecturing way of teaching, distinguished by consistent explanations in an IRE structure; and (d) an orchestrating way of teaching, distinguished by consistent explanations and instances of exploratory talk. The results also identify areas where the PSTs need further support in their development. Teacher educators can use the results as a starting point when they organize and plan the content of their teacher education programs.