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To date, research on mixed-reality simulation (MRS) has focused on various skills including applied behavior analysis, but studies have not evaluated the role of preservice teachers' perceived knowledge, confidence, usefulness, or actual practice related to data collection. To address this gap, we conducted two separate MRS studies, one for behavioral data collection, and one for sharing academic progress in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting. Results of both studies indicate participants' perceptions of their knowledge and confidence significantly increased as well as their actual knowledge or performance. Qualitative findings provide insight into how participants perceived the authenticity of the simulation experiences as well as suggestions regarding dosage and implementation. Limitations, implications for teacher education, and future research are discussed.

Research demonstrates a clear link between implementing proactive classroom management practices and positive student outcomes. Thus, it is important to examine how teachers are prepared to enact such practices. In this qualitative study, the authors draw on interviews with 35 special education faculty members at 32 institutions of higher education (IHEs) to investigate how they helped teacher candidates acquire classroom management knowledge and skills. Their analyses reveal striking similarities with regard to participants' course content and assessments. There is considerable variation, though, in participants' use of research-based pedagogical practices in teaching classroom management. Most participants who use two or more research-based pedagogical practices place a strong emphasis on providing candidates with foundational knowledge about special education and/or addressing three or more inter-related classroom management topics in their work with candidates. In contrast, participants who use zero or one research-based pedagogical practices are more likely to rely on practical experience in teaching classroom management.

Given the critical importance of discrete instructional practices in special education, teacher candidates must be prepared to implement them upon entering the classroom. In preservice teacher education programs, field placements and clinical experiences rarely provide enough opportunities for preservice teachers to gain the proficiency needed to provide effective instruction. In this study, a randomized control research design was used to investigate the effects of a mixed-reality simulation experience compared with traditional classroom practice in the implementation of a system of least prompts. Results suggest that mixed-reality simulation with additional coaching supports significantly improved preservice teachers' implementation of the prompting sequence. Social validity data collected offer insights into the use of mixed-reality simulation in practice with preservice teachers. Limitations and suggestions for future work are discussed.

Special educators are expected to implement High-Leverage Practices to support diverse learners. This article describes the findings from a mixed-reality simulation project structured around the framework of connected learning. The project sought to evaluate how 30 preservice teacher candidates in special education feel about mixed-reality simulation compared to traditional classroom practice (i.e., role playing) in learning the High-Leverage Practice of system of least prompts. Results of this study indicate that those who participated in the mixed-reality simulator had significantly different social validity survey responses from the live practice group on items related to perceived performance, perceived tool value, and treatment experience; these findings can help inform teacher educators on how to incorporate mixed-reality simulation. Limitations and future research are discussed.

We report the findings of a randomized controlled trial examining the use of content acquisition podcasts for teachers (CAP-Ts) with 94 preservice teacher participants from two public universities. This study is an extension of a previous CAP-T study. We examined whether active embedded questions in CAP-Ts increased participant knowledge of functional behavioral assessments (FBAs). Participants completed a pretest, treatment, and posttest assessment to measure the extent to which CAP-Ts with active embedded questions supported participant knowledge, improved application of FBA skills, and impacted social validity as compared with traditional CAP-Ts. Findings indicate that CAP-T with embedded questions did not produce significant changes in preservice teacher knowledge and application of skills. Limitations and future directions are discussed.

Given the high percentage of new teachers who struggle with classroom management, preservice educators need more opportunities to develop their skills in managing challenging student behaviors prior to entering the classroom. There is growing interest in using mixed-reality simulators to provide educators opportunities to receive guided practice in implementing a variety of techniques, including classroom management strategies. Yet these technologies may be difficult for preservice programs to integrate into the curriculum and may be perceived as stressful for some student teachers. The current article presents findings from a feasibility and acceptability study of the TeachLive™ mixed-reality teaching simulator, which was used as a supplemental guided practice opportunity for preservice student teachers enrolled in classroom management and special education methods classes. Data from 62 preservice teachers suggest there is potential for acceptability among teachers in training, particularly if adjustments are made to reduce their stress and performance anxiety. Recommendations for using mixed-reality simulators in preservice training are provided.

Mixed-reality simulation is a technology-based tool used to augment preservice teacher education in special education; as such, researchers have conducted several studies to assess mixed-reality simulation for its effectiveness and efficacy. Though these researchers have concluded that mixed-reality simulation can be an effective tool, there is limited information regarding a synthesis of the study characteristics (e.g., participants' demographic information, amount of time, skills taught using simulation, and participants' perceptions). Understanding these components is critical to the continued success and growth of using mixed-reality simulation in special education coursework. We identified and synthesized eight mixed-reality simulation studies with a total of 256 participants from 2005 to 2021. Together, the eight studies suggest that mixed-reality simulation is a valuable practice-based experience for preservice special educators. Implications for practice and future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, research on mixed-reality simulation (MRS) has focused on various skills including applied behavior analysis, but studies have not evaluated the role of preservice teachers' perceived knowledge, confidence, usefulness, or actual practice related to data collection. To address this gap, we conducted two separate MRS studies, one for behavioral data collection, and one for sharing academic progress in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting. Results of both studies indicate participants' perceptions of their knowledge and confidence significantly increased as well as their actual knowledge or performance. Qualitative findings provide insight into how participants perceived the authenticity of the simulation experiences as well as suggestions regarding dosage and implementation. Limitations, implications for teacher education, and future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the critical importance of discrete instructional practices in special education, teacher candidates must be prepared to implement them upon entering the classroom. In preservice teacher education programs, field placements and clinical experiences rarely provide enough opportunities for preservice teachers to gain the proficiency needed to provide effective instruction. In this study, a randomized control research design was used to investigate the effects of a mixed-reality simulation experience compared with traditional classroom practice in the implementation of a system of least prompts. Results suggest that mixed-reality simulation with additional coaching supports significantly improved preservice teachers' implementation of the prompting sequence. Social validity data collected offer insights into the use of mixed-reality simulation in practice with preservice teachers. Limitations and suggestions for future work are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the high percentage of new teachers who struggle with classroom management, preservice educators need more opportunities to develop their skills in managing challenging student behaviors prior to entering the classroom. There is growing interest in using mixed-reality simulators to provide educators opportunities to receive guided practice in implementing a variety of techniques, including classroom management strategies. Yet these technologies may be difficult for preservice programs to integrate into the curriculum and may be perceived as stressful for some student teachers. The current article presents findings from a feasibility and acceptability study of the TeachLive™ mixed-reality teaching simulator, which was used as a supplemental guided practice opportunity for preservice student teachers enrolled in classroom management and special education methods classes. Data from 62 preservice teachers suggest there is potential for acceptability among teachers in training, particularly if adjustments are made to reduce their stress and performance anxiety. Recommendations for using mixed-reality simulators in preservice training are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]