What Happens When Children Encounter the T-Book?: The Potential for Transmedia Books in Teacher Education
Abstract: In an effort to address elementary teachers’ lack of science content knowledge and low perceived self-efficacy in teaching science, researchers are beginning to examine the feasibility of using transmedia books, or T-books, with preservice teachers. A T-book on wind energy was pilot tested in two elementary classrooms, with the aim of gathering information to inform their use in a preservice teacher education program. Students reacted positively to the books and their activities, which rely heavily on making physical artifacts to support learning. The activities were challenging for the students, but the students also felt empowered upon completing them. The researchers concluded that further testing of T-books in teacher education classes is warranted.
Presider: Dan Boulos, University of Hawaii, Manoa