2017-18 Pre-K–8 Preservice Teacher Action Research Grants Recipient

Kelley Elizabeth Buchheister, University of Nebraska-Lincoln collaborating with Jenny Miller, Ruth Staples Child Development Laboratory, Lincoln, Nebraska 

A Program for Success: Integrating Math Talk and Coding Activities with Preschool Children

With increased attention to coding technologies designed for young learners, there has never been a more optimal time to integrate developmentally appropriate learning and teaching practices with cutting-edge technology. While it is clear that technology can enhance learning, it is imperative to continually investigate how teachers and researchers can most effectively infuse technology into the classroom. Moreover, it is essential that early childhood teachers are prepared to support students' mathematical thinking within technologically-rich environments in ways that allow not only for play, creativity, and exploration, but that also provide opportunities to engage in discussion and reflection of key mathematical ideas. Thus, this action research project is designed to provide pedagogical support to prospective teachers during their student teaching practicum with the explicit goal to explore how prospective teachers develop math-talk learning communities when integrating coding technologies (i.e., Cubetto and OSMO) in preschool classrooms.