The College of Education held the Spring Teacher Education Research Symposium (TERS) on Tuesday, May 5, 2015.  Over 350 Teacher Candidates presented the results of their teaching inquiry research studies in poster session format.  The Symposium is an important opportunity for prospective teachers to ask questions about their own teaching practices, then present and discuss their work in a professional setting.

I wonder . . .

Each semester, student teachers are asked to reflect on something they wonder about in their teaching, which becomes the foundation for their research presentations. Some teacher candidates chose to explore topics such as: strategies to facilitate independent learning; student accountability within small groups; and homework efficacy; while others examined issues such as student engagement and accommodating diverse learners.

Panel Discussions

Director of Student Teaching, Amber Thompson

Participants also attended Panel Discussions where teacher candidates were able to extend discussions about their inquiries in small groups. "These panel discussions gave graduating seniors a chance to share research findings with their peers," said Amber Thompson, Director of Student Teaching.  "It's a great opportunity to celebrate the work of teacher candidates developing their inquiries about their teaching."

“Preparing for this symposium helped me realize that I can do my own research and find answers to my own questions," said Stephanie Portillo, Teaching & Learning Teacher Candidate.  "It is empowering to know that I can find credible sources and coordinate a research project to help me learn how to be a better teacher to my future students.”

The event was well attended by faculty, staff, graduate and undergraduate students. Houston-area principals also turned out for the event in support of teacher research in the college.  This undergraduate research initiative presents a major opportunity for professional development for undergraduate students.

“This project allowed me to dive into my classroom and understand it from an outside point of view," said Kristen Wright, Human Development & Family Studies Teacher Candidate.  "Interviewing the kids and doing small group research allowed me to see many different perspectives that will help me greatly in my future classroom.”

The UH Teacher Education Program has been recognized by the Association of Teacher Educators (ATE) as a Distinguished Program in Teacher Education.  Students in the program learn to teach with the latest research-based strategies and modern technologies from world-class faculty. Future teachers participate in early and continued field experiences in urban schools, working alongside experienced teachers in a realistic classroom setting.