title: Preservice teacher knowledge of basic language constructs in Canada, England, New Zealand, and the USA.
abstract: The present study examined preservice teachers' (PSTs) knowledge of basic language constructs across four different English-speaking teacher preparations programs. A standardized survey was administered to participants from Canada (n = 80), England (n = 55), New Zealand (n = 26), and the USA (n = 118). All participants were enrolled in undergraduate university programs that led to teacher certification for general education in the primary grades. Our data reveal that preservice teachers from all four countries show patterns of relative strength in areas that were targeted to be crucial within their national initiatives. Nevertheless, in general, PSTs demonstrated a lack of knowledge of certain constructs needed to teach early reading skills. The results are discussed in relation to research reports and initiatives regarding beginning reading instruction from each of the four countries.
authors.affiliation: Literacy Education, Graduate School of Education, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, USA. washburn@binghamton.edu.
authors.forename: Erin K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Washburn
authors.affiliation: Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Emily S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Binks-Cantrell
authors.affiliation: Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
authors.forename: R Malatesha
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Joshi
authors.affiliation: Concordia University, Montreal, Canada.
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Martin-Chang
authors.affiliation: Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Alison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Arrow
mesh_terms: D002170:Canada; D002568:Certification; D004739:England; D006801:Humans; D019359:Knowledge; D007802:Language; D009520:New Zealand; D000070777:School Teachers; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D000070260:Teacher Training; D013663:Teaching / Q000193:education*; D014481:United States; D014495:Universities
keywords: Language; Literacy; Teacher education; Teacher knowledge