Using Young Adult Literature to Work through Wobble Moments in Teacher Education: Literary Response Groups to Enhance Reflection and Understanding

This volume explores how literary response groups can be used as part of teacher education programs to help preservice teachers navigate wobble moments, particularly through the use of young adult literature (YAL). It offers insights from teacher candidates and demonstrates how narrative-based inquiry and analysis of fictional depictions of teaching and learning can support reflection on common challenges. YAL literary response groups enhance participants' ability to reflect on practice, build resilience, and develop a deeper understanding of pedagogical principles, contributing to program improvement.

Format: Hardback
Length: 134 pages
Publication date: 25 July 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume presents a groundbreaking approach to leveraging literary response groups as an integral component of teacher education programs, with a specific focus on their potential in assisting preservice teachers to navigate challenging and uncertain moments during their training. By centering its exploration on the rich realm of young adult literature (YAL), the text draws upon firsthand experiences of teacher candidates, utilizing a diverse selection of well-known books to illustrate how narrative-based inquiry and analysis of fictional depictions of teaching and learning can foster profound reflection on a wide array of common challenges. Through the creation of a shared dialogical space, these literary response groups are demonstrated to enhance participants' abilities to reflect on their practice, cultivate resilience, and deepen their understanding of pedagogical principles. These valuable insights ultimately contribute to the improvement of teacher education programs by enriching teacher candidates' grasp of pedagogy.

This text holds immense value for researchers, doctoral students, and scholars engaged in the fields of teaching, teacher mentoring, and teacher education, particularly those with an interest in literature studies and YAL. Furthermore, it will appeal to a broader audience, including individuals passionate about literature and young adult literature in general.

The significance of this volume lies in its innovative approach to leveraging literary response groups as a powerful tool for teacher education. By focusing on YAL, the text offers a fresh perspective on how preservice teachers can engage with literature in a meaningful and impactful way, fostering critical thinking, reflection, and professional growth. Through the use of narrative-based inquiry and analysis, teacher candidates are able to explore complex pedagogical concepts and challenges, gaining a deeper understanding of teaching and learning processes.

Moreover, the creation of a shared dialogical space within literary response groups allows for meaningful interactions and collaborative learning among participants. This collaborative environment fosters a sense of community, support, and mutual growth, enabling teacher candidates to develop resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills that are essential for their future teaching careers.

By incorporating literary response groups into teacher education programs, educators can create a supportive and inclusive learning environment that promotes the development of well-rounded and confident teachers. The insights gained from this volume can inform the design and implementation of teacher education programs, as well as guide practitioners in their work with preservice teachers.

In conclusion, this comprehensive volume offers a novel and effective approach to leveraging literary response groups as part of teacher education programs. By focusing on YAL, the text provides a rich source of insights and practical strategies for assisting preservice teachers in navigating wobble moments and developing into confident and effective educators. Its significance lies in its ability to foster critical thinking, reflection, and professional growth, ultimately contributing to the improvement of teacher education programs and the preparation of future teachers for the challenges they will face in their careers.

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032059938