Journal of Education & Social Policy

Aspiring “Child Whisperers:” How Student Teachers’ Beliefs about Good Teaching Shape the Lessons They Choose To Learn
Nancy M. Cardwell

Abstract
This small qualitative study examined the role of student teaching in relation to the participants’ beliefs about good teaching and revealed that the student teaching placement is an important integrative experience where teacher candidates can make newly acquired professional knowledge uniquely their own. The twelve participants’ beliefs about good teaching helped them decide whether to accept or resist their school-based colleagues’ advice.Teacher educators can strengthen the student teaching experience by ensuring teacher candidates are equipped with a deep understanding of children’s development, culture and academic content by providing frequent opportunities for guided reflection and to receive feedback on their practice during student teaching soteacher candidates can integrate their personal beliefs with increasing professional knowledge.

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