ENHP's Joan Pedro Presents at Oxford University

Joan Pedro (right) with URI Colleague Susan Brand at Oxford University.

Joan Pedro, associate dean of undergraduate studies and community affairs and associate professor, ENHP, was invited to present at the Oxford Round Table on Childhood Education at the Harris Manchester College of Oxford University held March 11-15, 2012.

Her paper, entitled “Teacher Knowledge and Dispositions Towards Parents and Families: Rethinking Influences and Education of Early Childhood Pre-Service Teachers,” explored the various ways that pre-service teachers are exposed to information on parents and families and the issues related to pre-service teachers’ knowledge and dispositions on the importance of working with families as an integral part of the education of children.

Survey data on teacher knowledge and dispositions gathered from eight universities and community colleges informed the study. The paper also presented a curricular approach that emphasizes the importance of preparing early childhood educators which takes into account the social capital of pre-service teachers and the opportunities for learning about and working with families.