DES MOINES, Iowa — The Drake University School of Education (SOE) received a collaborative grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to study how future teachers learn to lead classroom discussions on complex socioscientific issues.
The four-year research project will explore how preservice teachers develop skills for guiding conversations about issues such as environmental challenges, public health, and emerging technologies. SOE professor, Jerrid Kruse, Ph.D. will compare two practice methods designed to prepare future educators for real classrooms.
In one method, teacher candidates will practice giving a lesson in a VR classroom populated by AI students. In the second, candidates will practice with peers who are role playing as students in scaffolded classroom simulations. The study will explore whether advanced virtual reality environments offer meaningful advantages over peer-based practice.
The SOE is collaborating with researchers from Texas A&M University, the University of West Florida, Southern Methodist University, and Kennesaw State University. Together, the team will examine how different practice environments influence teaching effectiveness and confidence.
As the SOE research lead on the project, Kruse expects both approaches to help teacher candidates grow.
“Our prediction is that preservice teachers will improve in both settings,” said Kruse. “The research will help us understand whether virtual reality systems and AI students provide any additional benefits.”
Participants in the study will receive identical support via online learning modules and will engage in three rounds of practice with either their peers or in the VR simulation. Researchers will track improvements in discussion leadership skills across both environments.
The NSF Grant research project will unfold in four phases. The first will focus on developing the study tools and environments. In the second and third phase, the research team will recruit and work with participants, with a goal of engaging 250 preservice teachers. The final phase will focus on analyzing data and sharing findings with the broader education community.
By identifying the most effective ways to prepare future educators, the research supports the SOE’s mission to prepare, support, and inspire students to lead and serve in a constantly changing world. The findings will help teacher preparation programs across the country make informed decisions about how to invest in emerging instructional technologies while ensuring strong, equitable training for future teachers.
About Drake School of Education
Drake’s School of Education prepares world-class teachers and leaders. With 20 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs offered, the School of Education has an exceptional record of preparing highly effective elementary and secondary teachers, school counselors, principals, superintendents, and leaders working in the education, corporate, public, and non-profit sectors. We have a commitment to providing an intimate learning environment that fosters close connections between students, faculty, and community.