An analysis of perceptions of teacher candidates during observations of experienced teachers

The study examines how a teacher candidate in the education of deaf and hard of hearing students develops an awareness and knowledge of best practices by observing videotapes of experienced teachers in real classrooms. Analysis of 32 first year teacher candidates\u27 comments were recorded, providing explanatory and receptive observations of the experienced teachers in real classrooms. The analysis indicates that observations of certain behaviors of the experienced teachers provide valuable insight into effective and efficient means of educating deaf students in grades 5 through 10. The evaluations were - based on four criteria, (1) Best practices in Classroom Instruction, (2) Communication in the Classroom, (3) Teaching Strategies, (4) Classroom Management! Classroom Environment. Based on the results of this study, teacher education programs are encouraged to continue to support teacher candidates by providing a good curriculum, which offers the benefit of observing videotapes of experienced teachers in their classroom habitats