Development of Research Competency for Pre-service Teacher in Early Childhood Education Program using Peer Coaching Process

Abstract

Purpose: This semi-experimental research aimed at achieving two objectives: 1) to develop the research competency of pre-service teachers in early childhood education through the use of a peer coaching process, and 2) to compare the research competency of pre-service teachers in early childhood education before and after implementing the peer coaching process. Methodology: The research sample consists of 30 second-year pre-service teachers in the early childhood education program who are enrolled in research classes in the 2021 academic year, selected through cluster random sampling. The research tools used include activities planned with a peer coaching process and a pre-service teacher research competency assessment form. The statistical analysis employed the mean and standard deviation. Findings: The findings revealed that: 1) pre-service teachers demonstrated good research competency when using the peer coaching process (mean = 3.97, SD = 0.52), and 2) the research competency of pre-service teachers in early childhood education after the implementation of the peer coaching process was at a higher level (good level) compared to their competency level before the trial of the peer coaching process (fair level). The statistical significance was set at .05. Conclusion: Upon closer examination, it was found that the participants exhibited good performance in all aspects, except for writing research reports and presenting research findings. Furthermore, the research competencies of the post-experimental early childhood education students were significantly higher than before the reciprocal coaching process. Practical Implications: This study can be implemented in the classes to improve the competency of student's research ability by applying these coaching methods.