Article Title

The Ideological Dilemmas Inherent in Informal Learning Spaces: A Discourse Analysis of Preservice Teacher Talk

Authors

Jessica Nina Lester, Indiana UniversityFollow
Lisa Scherff, Estero High SchoolFollow
Trena M. Paulus, University of GeorgiaFollow

Abstract

Informal learning spaces, such as summer reading programs, have the potential to both motivate children and provide opportunities for preservice teachers to try out new practices. However, there is little research on the talk that occurs in these informal learning spaces, particularly those intended to function as third spaces. Audio recordings of meetings between preservice teachers and high school students talking together about young adult literature in a space intended to function as a third space were analyzed to explore how discourse choices shaped the participants' practices. We found that the participants both resisted and reproduced the traditional classroom in their talk, suggesting that the successful design of third spaces is a complex endeavor.

Keywords

Discourse Analysis, Classroom Talk, Informal Learning, Reading Groups

Author Bio(s)

Jessica Nina Lester is an Assistant Professor of Inquiry Methodology at Indiana University. She teaches research methods courses, with much of her research focused on the study and development of qualitative methodologies and methods. Her research is situated within discourse studies and disability studies, with a particular focus on education and mental health contexts. Correspondence regarding this article can be addressed directly to: Jessica Nina Lester at, Indiana University, Dept. of Counseling and Educational Psychology, 201 North Rose Avenue, 4060; Bloomington, IN, USA, 47405-1006; Phone: (812) 856-8328; E-mail: jnlester@indiana.edu

Currently a classroom teacher, Lisa Scherff previously taught literacy education at the University of Tennessee, the University of Alabama, and Florida State University. Her research interests include teacher preparation and development and student–teacher discussions of young adult literature. Correspondence regarding this article can also be addressed directly to: Lisa Scherff at, Estero High School, 21900 River Ranch Road, Estero, FL, 33928; Phone: (239) 481-2233; E-mail: ElisaAS@leeschools.net

Trena M. Paulus is a Professor of Qualitative Research Methods at the University of Georgia. Her areas of research include digital tools for qualitative research, language-based research methods for investigating online interaction, and collaborative qualitative inquiry. Correspondence regarding this article can also be addressed directly to: Trena M. Paulus at, University of Georgia, Qualitative Research Program 850 College Station Drive, 310 River’s Crossing, Athens, GA 30602; Phone: (706) 542-2214; E-mail: tpaulus@uga.edu

Publication Date

6-22-2015

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

DOI

10.46743/2160-3715/2015.2162

Recommended APA Citation

Lester, J. N., Scherff, L., & Paulus, T. M. (2015). The Ideological Dilemmas Inherent in Informal Learning Spaces: A Discourse Analysis of Preservice Teacher Talk. The Qualitative Report, 20(6), 830-846. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2015.2162