Constructing the image of the teacher on Reddit: Best and worst teachers. (May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chang-Kredl, Sandra; Colannino, Daniela
• Is Part Of: Teaching and teacher education. Volume 64(2017)
• Page Start: 43
• Page End: 51
• Publication Date: 2017-05
• Subjects: Teacher-image -- Reddit -- Social-media -- Lay-theories -- Teacher-education -- Memories; Teaching -- Periodicals; Teachers -- Training of -- Periodicals; Enseignement -- Périodiques; Enseignants -- Formation -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 371.10205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tate.2017.01.019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0742-051X

Abstract

Abstract: In addressing the public image of the teacher, this study reports on the analysis of 600 discussion entries on Reddit, a social media platform, in which respondents described memories of their best and worst teachers. Results of inductive analyses suggest: (1) a model of teacher, student, and teacher-student relationship for characterizing and reflecting on teachers in teacher education programs; (2) the relevance of social media in contributing to the public image of the teacher in an information technology age, as well as its anonymous and, arguably, more authentic nature; and (3) the need to address gender in teacher memory studies. Highlights: The influence of social media in constructing the public image of the teacher. Expanding reflective practices in teacher education. Addressing gender biases in teacher memory studies.