An Exploration of Prospective Teachers’ Learning of Clinical Interview Techniques

Authors

  • Randall E. Groth Salisbury University
  • Jennifer A. Bergner Salisbury University
  • Claudia R. Burgess Salisbury University

Keywords:

clinical interviews, mathematics teacher education, undergraduate research, teacher reflection, qualitative research

Abstract

The present study followed four prospective teachers through the process of learning to interview during an undergraduate research project experience. Participants conducted and video recorded a series of interviews with children. They also carried out guided analyses of the videos and written artefacts from the interviews to formulate conjectures about how to improve their questioning techniques. Communicating the purpose of the interview to children and formulating probes spontaneously were particularly difficult for participants. However, the experience helped participants realize when they were providing too much guidance and also when they missed opportunities to have children further explain their thinking.

Author Biographies

Randall E. Groth, Salisbury University

Jennifer A. Bergner, Salisbury University

Claudia R. Burgess, Salisbury University

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Published

2016-05-23

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