Mediated Field Experiences During Worldwide Pandemic: Adjusting Pedagogies to a Changing Climate

Abstract

This paper explores the use of a mediated field experience (MFE) for teacher candidates in a middle school setting, a small laboratory school. This work focuses on adjustments made for the MFE to function in an online environment during remote instruction caused by a worldwide pandemic. Teacher candidates completed a learning cycle focused on experiencing mathematics as a learner, planning for mathematics instruction, implementing mathematics instruction, and analyzing teaching episodes alongside a mathematics teacher who is also the mathematics teacher educator for a methods course. Teacher candidates reflected on this experience positively, noting the benefits of learning how to teach effectively online in a safe and supportive environment. This paper will share the highlights and challenges for the mathematics teacher educator regarding the shifting of pedagogy to meet the current educational climate.