The development and testing of an online scenario-based learning activity to prepare preservice teachers for teaching placements

In this study we report the development and testing of a scenario-based learning (SBL) activity delivered to 191 preservice teachers in the UK and Australia before the start of a school-based teaching placement. SBL uses interactive, realistic classroom scenarios, coupled with self-reflection and feedback from experienced teachers to enhance the self-efficacy and classroom readiness of preservice teachers. Two studies are presented. Findings from Study 1 (40 preservice teachers from the UK) indicated that participants found the activity engaging and useful, and reported a high level of agreement that the activity increased self-efficacy and preparedness for teaching placements. Findings from Study 2 (151 preservice teachers from Australia) revealed that most participants reported higher levels of placement self-efficacy and preparedness. A quasi-experimental design in Study 2 revealed statistically significant increases in emotional classroom readiness, but not in teaching self-efficacy, motivational classroom readiness, or cognitive classroom readiness. We conclude that an SBL activity can play an important role in preparing preservice teachers for school-based teaching placements.