Developing Preservice Problem-Solving Skills through Case Studies

(Paperback)

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With the current emphasis on assessment and data-driven instruction, pre-service teachers rarely get a chance to consider how they will deal with the dilemmas that may surface in their future classrooms. The case studies in this book enable novice educators to consider the possibilities for dealing with issues, but it also provides a process for them to hone their instructional skills, as the book includes information for developing questions and facilitating the case discussions. In this book, Debra Eckerman Pitton provides a bridge from the theoretical to the practical, using case studies to engage pre-service teachers in the analysis of situations and the problem-solving they will need to do in the classroom.

Reviews

Developing Preservice Problem-Solving Skills through Case Studies provides learning experiences for preservice teachers which cause them to reflect, consider, and apply what they have learned in their coursework. Pitton places our students in classrooms with teachers as they face challenges that clearly reflect the learning diversity of todays classrooms. She provides necessary formats and templates to guide students in effectively facilitating case study discussions in their courses. In addition, Pitton provides education faculty with course topics linked to each chapters case study. This book brings today's challenges for teaching into education courses and provides opportunities for preservice teachers to build both confidence and competence through thought-provoking and authentic case studies. -- Diane Heacox, associate professor of education, University of St. Catherine; author of Differentiating Instruction in the Regular Classroom
Developing Preservice Problem-Solving Skills through Case Studies provides preservice teachers a much-needed glimpse into the student teaching experience. Pitton artfully crafts the cases in such a way as to clearly delineate the challenges and complexities of each scenario; she truly poses a dilemma, representing multiple perspectives and considerations and encouraging the reader to reflect on how to best handle the situation. The reality-based stories prompt preservice teachers to translate theory into practice, and the focus and discussion questions require students to think critically about the art and science of teaching. This text has been instrumental in preparing my methods students for their student teaching semester and beyond! -- Amy Vizenor, visiting professor, Gustavus Adolphus College
This casebook for use in teacher education courses presents first-person case studies on classroom issues. In addition to cases, the book also includes a structure, guidelines, and assessment rubric for developing questions and facilitating classroom discussions about the cases among preservice teachers using the book. The cases, set in grades K-12, begin with focus questions, and address areas such as classroom management, inclusion, respect, group work, and parents as partners. Pitton is professor of education at Gustavus Adolphus College. * Book News, Inc. *

Author Bio

Debra Eckerman Pitton is department chair and professor of education at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota and specializes in instructional methodology. She began her career teaching high school and middle level communication arts and has served as an assistant superintendent for a local school district as well as on her community school board.