A1 Journal article (refereed)
Konkari kaapissa : ideaaliopiskelija työkokemusta omaavien varhaiskasvatuksen opettajaopiskelijoiden diskursseissa (2023)

Mykkänen, A., Itäkare, S., Paasovaara-Pösö, S., & Rantavuori, L. (2023). Konkari kaapissa : ideaaliopiskelija työkokemusta omaavien varhaiskasvatuksen opettajaopiskelijoiden diskursseissa. Journal of Early Childhood Education Research, 12(2), 98-123. https://doi.org/10.58955/jecer.v12i2.121376

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Mykkänen, Arttu; Itäkare, Susanna; Paasovaara-Pösö, Salla; Rantavuori, Laura

Journal or series: Journal of Early Childhood Education Research

eISSN: 2323-7414

Publication year: 2023

Publication date: 07/04/2023

Volume: 12

Issue number: 2

Pages range: 98-123

Publisher: Suomen varhaiskasvatus ry

Publication country: Finland

Publication language: Finnish

DOI: https://doi.org/10.58955/jecer.v12i2.121376

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/86592

Abstract

Early childhood education teacher students with previous work experience have been a growing group of students in the university education in recent years. Previous research has indicated that this student group's expectations regarding studying and activities in teaching practicums, may differ from students who represent the traditional university student norm. This study examined the discursive subject positions produced by students with previous work experience in the field of early childhood education in the context of teaching practice. The interview material (n = 12, duration of interviews 10 h 13 min) was analyzed using critical discourse analysis. In the results, six subject positions were produced: the subject positions of a learning-oriented student, a work experience expert, a mentor’s colleague, an expert in the closet, critic of the university or the mentor, and a novice student teacher. In addition, a discourse of the ideal student was created as a synthesis of the subject positions. The discourse of the ideal student is unattainable due to its contradictory characteristics, and it challenges the previous traditional ideal of a university student. Based on the results, suggestions are made for the development of teaching practicums in early childhood education and for meeting students from various backgrounds.

Keywords: early childhood education and care teachers; teacherhood; teacher training; studies in an institution of higher education; continuing professional education; practical training as a teacher; lifelong learning; ideals; discourse analysis

Free keywords: experienced students; traditional university student; critical discourse analysis

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2023

JUFO rating: 1