Development of instrument measuring the level of teachers’ Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) in environmental education

Abstract

Since 1998, Environmental Education has been implemented in Malaysian curriculum across subject matter. During this period, it was found that there were no significant changes produced in students’ level of awareness, attitudes and behavior. Lack of pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) among teachers might be a primary factor contributing to ineffective implementation of Environmental Education. This paper discusses the development of an instrument that is measure the level of teachers’ PCK on Environmental Education. Development processes involve three steps that include: a) determining constructs of PCK; b) developing the items; and c) analyzing the items for its validity and reliability. The instrument was piloted with 50 secondary teachers. The pilot data were analyzed to determine the alpha value for each item and construct using SPSS 11.5. Expert opinions were also obtained to validate the instrument in term of its content. Evidence of content validity and reliability are presented. Based on the first pilot study, it is suggested that second pilot test to be conducted using factorial analysis method to confirm factors that make up the PCK. © 2010 Published by Elsevier Ltd.