The Role of Opportunities to Learn in Teacher Preparation for EFL Teachers’ Pedagogical Content Knowledge

Abstract

The study examines the connection between domain‐specific learning opportunities in English as a foreign language (EFL) teacher preparation and preservice EFL teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge (PCK). Using a sample of 444 preservice EFL teachers for secondary schools, it contrasts groups at the end of the 2 phases required in German teacher preparation programs: a theoretical phase at university and a supervised professional internship at a school (practical phase). Specifically, it examines differences in learning opportunities (self‐reports) and PCK (paper‐and‐pencil test results). Findings from regression analysis show that learning opportunity measures substantially predict PCK test scores. The article discusses the effectiveness of EFL teacher preparation programs for preservice teachers’ performance on PCK and concludes with possible interpretations and research suggestions.