Change in teacher candidates' metaphorical images about classroom management in a social constructivist learning environment


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Akar H., Yıldırım A.

TEACHING IN HIGHER EDUCATION, vol.14, pp.401-415, 2009 (SSCI) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 14
  • Publication Date: 2009
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/13562510903050152
  • Journal Name: TEACHING IN HIGHER EDUCATION
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.401-415
  • Keywords: metaphors, classroom management, constructivism, teacher education
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to understand the conceptual change teacher candidates went through in a constructivist learning environment in a classroom management course. Within a qualitative case study design, teacher candidates' metaphorical images about classroom management were obtained through document analysis before and after they were subjected to a constructivist learning environment. Prior to the implementation, the images depicted a 'controlling' or 'leading' type of classroom management approach indicating a disciplinary vision. After the implementation, although the metaphors were mainly retained by participants, the descriptions of the images depicted more a leading type of classroom management that entailed messages of cooperation and sensitivity toward individual differences. The results showed that a constructivist learning process may result in a change in teacher candidates' conceptions of classroom management.