Education major gets published in education journal

Education major gets published in education journal

Presbyterian College graduate Madison Pierson earned publication in the International Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities for an article she wrote based on her capstone research.

Pierson, who graduated from PC last spring, wrote “Preservice Teacher Education Programs, Novice Teachers, and Classroom Management Preparation” for the peer-reviewed journal, which specializes in outstanding scholarship by undergraduates.

The article shared Pierson’s findings from a questionnaire she sent to new elementary school teachers from each school district in South Carolina. Based on her results, she discovered a need for classroom management courses for teachers and a need for school districts to provide continuing professional development in classroom management after teachers are hired.

Pierson became interested in the topic during her practicum placements in local schools and hearing educators tell her that classroom management is something can’t be taught in a college classroom. She questioned whether or not this was a commonly accepted opinion given that only a few college programs offer courses on classroom management. And when they are, she found, they often do not adequately prepare teachers for the real challenges they will face in the
Classroom. The problem, Pierson wrote, is not that college classes could not prepare teachers to manage classrooms; rather, the courses that are offered should be more practical and include a wide variety of real-life scenarios.

“Though COVID-19 created a unique challenge to completing this research, the amount of useful information I received was astounding,” she said. “Current educators are passionate about creating the best classrooms possible for their students. COVID-19 has changed what classroom management looks like, but when teachers are prepared with a wide array of strategies, they will have the tools needed to help their students grow and thrive.”

While at PC, Pierson was the principal cellist in the PC Chamber Orchestra and was president of the Panhellenic Council. She was also a Stirling and a member of the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority. Last spring, she was named Outstanding Senior in Education and will begin teaching kindergarten at Eastside Elementary School in Clinton this fall.

Dr. Julia Wilkins, professor of the education capstone class, noted that conducting research involving respondents from nearly every school district in South Carolina is an incredible accomplishment for an undergraduate student.

“Madison’s drive and perseverance, as well has her ability to work independently, were amazing and getting published in this journal is a well-deserved accomplishment,” she said.

Read Pierson’s article »