FORT WAYNE, Ind.—With a goal of further building the bridge between theory and practice in its education of future teachers, the University of Saint Francis Division of Teacher Education unveiled its new “M&M Lab” with an open house celebration on Friday.
The formal title of the lab is “Murray’s Minds: Experiential Lab for Teacher Success,” which was developed through a gift from Saint Francis alumna Antoinette “Toni” Murray (’71, ’72). The lab provides teacher candidates with an authentic classroom space prior to transitioning into a traditional K-12 classroom experience.
The lab allows candidates to create and facilitate lessons in a space designed like a classroom. The Lab includes furniture for small-group instruction, smart-board technology and instructional materials for all content areas. The room was painted to resemble an elementary school classroom by Saint Francis Associate Professor of Studio Art and Studio Art Program Director Tim Parsley.
“When preparing teachers, we can teach them the content in the classroom, and they could go out in the field maybe missing the connection of ‘How do I practice this?’” said Division Director Dr. Juanita Oberley. “We wanted to create a space where they can practice teaching authentically and effectively. This space became the brainchild. How could we create a classroom on campus to use before they go out and work with K-through-12 students?”
A highlight of the lab is its state-of-the-art recording technology to help support teacher candidates. Candidates can use specialized technology to record themselves teaching in the classroom. This recording is then uploaded and available for review by peers, faculty and the teacher candidate. The classroom can also be watched live from a viewing room.
While many education programs rely on simulation technology, Saint Francis takes a more hands-on approach, providing future teachers with real-time opportunities to practice teaching methods in a collaborative mock classroom setting with fellow teacher candidates, rather than using avatars or virtual simulations.
The Division of Teacher Education’s open house on Friday was attended by faculty, students, alumni and media.
“One student told me, ‘It feels like home already,’” Oberley said.
For more information on the Murray’s Minds: Experiential Lab for Teacher Success, contact Dr. Juanita Oberley at joberley@sf.edu.