Virtual Instructional Rounds in Teacher Preparation Programs: Exploring Anti-Bias Practices

This chapter describes a participatory action research project that leverages partnerships to implement virtual instructional rounds (VIRs) to engage preservice teachers in collaborative mutual learning via internet-based video platforms. Preservice teachers observe and reflect on specific skills related to anti-bias practices for diverse student populations and then apply these practices to their own inclusive learning environments. Data were collected through structured observations, surveys, and focus group interviews. Findings indicate a mutually beneficial learning experience between preservice teachers and statistically significant data supporting implementation of anti-bias education and other pedagogical practices. This study can serve as a model for other teacher preparation programs seeking to use collaborative technologies to experience reciprocal learning.