Development Of Preservice Science Teachers Research Articles

Factors influencing the development of pre-service science teachers’ technological pedagogical content knowledge in a pedagogical makerspace

In an increasingly digitalized world, pre-service and in-service teachers need subject-specific didactic competencies to be able to plan their lessons appropriately and use their knowledge to promote digital competencies among students. Building on competency models such as the Technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) framework, this article explores the extent to which specific digital competencies relevant to pre-service teachers can be developed through project work in a pedagogical makerspace and examines the extent to which contextual factors such as technological self-efficacy, motivation and technology acceptance influence the development of pre-service teachers’ TPACK and their intention to use digital media. To this end, 495 pre-service science teachers from both intervention and control groups completed a pre-post digital questionnaire before and after the intervention. The data were used for structural equation modeling. The results show that the level of TPACK before the intervention is an important predictor of TPACK after project work. Furthermore, TPACK before the intervention positively influences pre-service teachers’ intention to use digital media in the future. Also, the perceived usefulness for professional use and the intention to use information and communication technologies (ICT) are strongly influenced by TPACK. Consequently, it appears significant to enable a low-threshold entry point at the beginning of the study to provide a solid foundation upon which more advanced TPACK can be built. Motivation and technology acceptance are strongly correlated. Therefore, teacher training should focus on motivation and acceptance of technology.

Pre-Service Science Teachers’ Understanding of Socio-Scientific Issues Instruction through a Co-Design and Co-Teaching Approach Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic

This qualitative case study explores the development of pre-service science teachers’ (PSTs) understanding of Socio-Scientific Issues (SSI) instruction. The study utilized a conceptual framework of SSI-based instruction and a three-phase approach involving co-designing solutions, co-designing curriculum materials, and co-teaching classes. Primary data sources included PSTs’ interviews and reflective journals, while artifacts, field notes, and curriculum materials served as secondary data sources. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data of six PSTs in a teacher preparation program. We found that the PSTs’ understanding of SSI instruction was enhanced in 12 features of three core aspects: design elements, learner experiences, and teacher attributes. “Engaging in higher-order practices” was the most prominent feature, observed across all three phases. The three-phase approach played a crucial role in promoting PSTs’ understanding of SSI instruction, with each phase guiding their understanding in distinct ways. Particularly, the co-designing solutions phase facilitated the development of PSTs’ “awareness of the social considerations associated with the issue”. While the co-designing curriculum materials phase was effective in promoting their understanding of “scaffolding for practice: providing scaffolding for higher-order practices. “The co-teaching classes phase played a crucial role in facilitating their understanding of “willingness to position oneself as a knowledge contributor rather than the sole authority”.

Investigating the Effectiveness of Life Skills Training Guide on Pre-service Science Teachers’ Development of Professional Knowledge Regarding Entrepreneurship Skills

The present study aims to examine the effect of the life skills training guide on the development of pre-service science teachers’ professional knowledge of entrepreneurial skills. The study included 82 pre-service science teachers studying in the third year of a public university in Turkey during the 2019-2020 academic year. The data of the study, which was conducted with a one-group pre-test-post-test experimental design, were collected using the entrepreneurship skills professional knowledge test. The data were analyzed using the professional knowledge assessment rubric and entrepreneurship skill indicators. The results of the study revealed that there was a significant difference between the pre-and post-test scores of the pre-service teachers in favor of the post-test scores. Following the experimental process, their professional knowledge about entrepreneurship increased. However, the number of pre-service teachers who were able to improve their professional knowledge scores to a high level was limited. Furthermore, following the experimental process, there was an increase in the number of pre-service teachers who were able to develop appropriate activities for students to gain entrepreneurial skills and to prepare tools for measuring and evaluating students’ entrepreneurial skills in a way to include stressed indicators. Consequently, the present study provides science teacher educators with educational activities that they can model within the scope of teaching professional knowledge of entrepreneurship skills to pre-service science teachers.

Investigating the Development of Preservice Science Teachers’ Nature of Science Instructional Views Across Rings of the Family Resemblance Approach Wheel

Investigating the Development of Preservice Science Teachers’ Nature of Science Instructional Views Across Rings of the Family Resemblance Approach Wheel

Investigation of the Effect of Life Skills Education Guidebook on the Development of Professional Knowledge Regarding Communication Skills

Gaining communication skills, one of the life skills included in the science curriculum, plays an essential role in reducing the conflicts that may occur in individuals’ communication. The fact that pre-service science teachers have professional knowledge about this skill is an indication that they can teach this skill to their students. Based on this idea, the current research aims to examine the effect of the life skills education guidebook on the development of pre-service science teachers’ professional knowledge of communication skills. The simple experimental method with a single group pretest-posttest design was employed in the research. The research sample consists of 83 pre-service science teachers studying at a state university in the 2019-2020 academic year. The communication skills professional recognition test was used as the data collection tool. The data obtained were evaluated within the framework of the determined keywords and subjected to descriptive analysis. The pretest-posttest scores of the pre-service science teachers were compared with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The test result shows that the life skills education guidebook positively affects the development of the third-grade pre-service science teacher’s professional knowledge about communication skills. The qualitative data obtained show that the professional knowledge of science teacher candidates regarding communication skills has increased from the level that needs to be developed to a weakly acceptable level. It has been revealed that the lack of prior professional knowledge of the pre-service teachers regarding communication skills makes it challenging to learn new professional knowledge.

Mental model development of preservice science teachers with slow-motion animation and visual material: The case of circulatory system

Mental model development of preservice science teachers with slow-motion animation and visual material: The case of circulatory system

Views across the boundary: School-based co-teachers experiences with co-teaching in initial teacher education

School and university partnerships are widely promoted as an effective means to support the preparation of pre-service teachers (PSTs). However, these partnerships are rarely conceived with practicing teachers working in a university context as co-teachers with university teacher educators. School-based co-teachers (SBCTs) (practicing teachers who contribute to Initial Teacher Education (ITE) by teaching alongside university-based teacher educators) contribute to ITE through their support for curriculum and assessment development, providing opportunities for observation and experiences in schools, and teaching with university teacher educators. However, the role of a SBCT requires some careful navigation and negotiation of the educational spaces that a SBCT must cross as they teach in university classrooms and foster a co-teaching relationship. This research articulates the process of boundary crossing that four SBCTs undertook as they supported the development of pre-service science teachers. Boundaries exist between the practices and perspectives of teaching school science students and teaching science PSTs at university. Data were collected from four SBCTs across one academic year, including an initial survey at the beginning of the year, an interview at the end of the year, and documentation from co-teaching meetings across the year. An inductive thematic approach was taken to analyze the data. Five themes were identified that describe the ways SBCTs viewed their role as a co-teacher and their associated learning in this role. Drawing on literature around boundary-crossing dialogical learning mechanisms, the themes are described with illustrative excerpts to represent the range of SBCTs experiences. Our data indicates that SBCTs found many opportunities to share their wealth of knowledge and experience with pre-service science teachers but also identified, and often sought out, opportunities to professionally learn and grow. Findings include the importance of sharing aims and purposes to understand the context and the generation of shared knowledge through peer reflection on teaching. This article offers insights to others who are looking to form and sustain productive relationships with SBCTs to support learning for PSTs in ITE courses.

Reflections from an Out-Of-School Learning Course: The Development of Pre-Service Science Teachers

The aim of the study is to examine the development of pre-service science teachers within the course about the out-of-school learning. In this study, the effects of the implementations in the course on the perceptions of the pre-service science teachers about the relevant subject and their self-efficacy in organizing teaching activities in these environments were evaluated. The study was carried out employing an action research design. The study group consisted of 36 pre-service science teachers in The Department of Science Education at the Faculty of Education at a state university in Turkey during the 2019-2020 academic year. Data collection tools were "The Form of Pre-service Science Teachers’ Opinion on OSL”, “Self-Efficacy Belief Scale for Planning and Organizing Educational Trips to Out of School Settings" developed by Bozdoğan (2016), “Informal Learning Environments Scale" developed by Adiyaman (2019), and “Experience Determination Form” adapted by Aslan (2015). The data collection tools were used as a pre-test on the first week of the course and as a post-test on the fifteenth week of the same course. The qualitative data elicited from the open-ended questions and the "Experience Determination Form" were subjected to the content analysis method. The quantitative data obtained from the “Self-Efficacy Belief Scale for Organizing Educational Trips to Out-of-School Environments” and “Informal Learning Environments Scale” were analysed using the SPSS 25.0 package program. The dependent t-test was used to compare the scores of the pre-tests and post-tests. The results showed that the applications made within the course significantly affect the opinions of pre-service science teachers about out-of-school learning and their self-efficacy in organizing educational activities in out-of-school learning environments

Pre-Service Science Teachers’ Scientific Reasoning Competencies: Analysing the Impact of Contributing Factors

Scientific reasoning competencies (SRC) are one part of science teachers’ professional competencies. This study examines the contribution of three factors to the development of pre-service science teachers’ SRC: the amount of science education classes, the amount of science classes and the pre-service science teachers’ age. The factors amount of science education classes and amount of science classes have been operationalised in terms of ECTS credit points. N = 438 pre-service science teachers from six universities in Germany, Chile and Canada voluntarily and anonymously responded to an established multiple-choice instrument for assessing SRC, which has been developed by the authors and is available in German, Spanish and English. Multiple linear regression analyses show that the included factors explain a proportion of about 9% of the pre-service science teachers’ SRC. The factor amount of science classes is the only significant predictor and can be seen as an indicator of learning science content knowledge. These findings support the assumption of science content knowledge being a prerequisite for developing pre-service science teachers’ SRC.

The Role of Reflective Practice in Mediating Development of Pre-Service Science Teachers’ Professional and Classroom Knowledge

The present study explores the potential of reflective practice in supporting pre-service teachers’ development of professional and classroom knowledge elements. The exploration process involved pre-service science teachers documenting and discussing their lived teaching experiences during school practice. The overall aim was to establish the effectiveness of reflective writing in promoting a reflection process with which teacher knowledge development could be mediated. From the analysis, strategically enacted reflective writing is a tool that enables a reflection process where trainees’ transitions in thinking about the practice of teaching are visible. Moreover, reflective writing is a potential medium tool for pre-service teachers to articulate and advance their developed assertions about teaching. The importance of negotiating and legitimizing trainees’ emerging perspectives and constructed assertions is discussed.

SOCIOSCIENTIFIC ISSUES AND PRE-SERVICE SCIENCE TEACHERS’ BIOETHICAL VALUES

Considering the recent rapid developments in science and technology, it is quite important for individuals to be able to make decisions about their own future and their children's future for the society in which they live and to know how to establish a balance of risk and decision. For this reason, teacher training programs should be planned to internalize pre-service teachers' awareness of responsibility. Regarding this point, the development of pre-service science teachers' bioethical values was examined on a class level basis using survey research. Research sample consisted total of 286 pre-service teachers of Science Teacher Training Program. Bioethical Values Questionnaire was applied to determine pre-service teachers’ bioethical values. As a result of analyses, it was determined that pre-service teachers’ bioethical values increased according to their class levels they attended. It was stated that pre-service science teachers’ bioethical values related to sub-dimensions of “Benefits of Biotechnology Applications”, “Science and Ethics”, “Reproductive Technologies and Cloning” and “Control of Genetic Interventions” were increased based on participants’ class levels. In addition, the results of the study revealed that pre-service teachers also had some concerns about the benefits of biotechnology applications. Keywords: bioethics level, science teaching, pre-service science teachers, socio-scientific issues

Investigating the impact of TPACK development course on pre-service science teachers’ performances

The aim of this study is to investigate the Technology Pedagogy and Content Knowledge (TPACK) development of pre-service science teachers (PSTs) who participated in a TPACK Development Course (TPACK-DC) that consisted of three stages: a training course, lesson plans involving the application of micro-teaching, and school application. This study was carried out with six PSTs selected according to the appropriate sampling method. Semi-structured interviews, lesson plan reports, and video recordings of lesson presentations were used to follow the development of PSTs. At the end of the study, it was found that TPACK-DC contributed to the association of PSTs' Technological Knowledge (TK), Pedagogical Knowledge (PK), and Content Knowledge (CK), which eliminated deficiencies in these areas of knowledge, as well as in the understanding of TPACK. The TPACK-DC also promoted the use of information and communication technology (ICT) tools by PSTs. It helped to develop the knowledge required to choose suitable teaching methods using technology to teach the related subject matter, teaching said content correctly, applying skills to promote active participation by students, proper classroom management, and applying appropriate guidance while teaching science subjects with ICT tools.

Investigating the development of pre-service science teachers’ NOSI views and related teaching practices

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to examine how pre-service science teachers develop their understandings of nature of scientific inquiry during the science laboratory course with preparing 5E based lesson plans, and how they transfer those understandings into their teaching practices. All data were collected and analysed qualitatively by using the case study approach. Thirty-four pre-service teachers (25 females, 9 males) participated in this study. Data were collected via the five sources: The Views About Scientific Inquiry questionnaire, inquiry-based 5E lesson plan, classroom observations, video recordings, and semi-structured interviews. The results showed that some aspects of nature of scientific inquiry were positively changed (e.g. ‘multiple scientific methods’) while some aspects were not altered significantly (e.g. ‘same procedures may not get the same results’). This study, also, showed that pre-service science teachers could partly transfer their understanding of nature of scientific inquiry into their teaching practices for some reasons, including participants’ subject matter knowledge, motivations, practicing skills, and personal characteristics. This study suggests that science teachers should be more aware of the importance of nature of scientific inquiry, and they should be given more opportunity to experience of preparation and teaching of scientific inquiry.

Scientific Reasoning Competencies: a Case of Preservice Teacher Education

In this study, we analysed the scientific reasoning competencies of preservice science teachers from a Canadian sample at the beginning and end of a science teacher education methods course. The course contained standard topics, such as the nature of science, assessment, and unit and lesson planning in science. The preservice science teachers were asked to reason about two types of problems in a validated pre- and post-questionnaire: investigatory-process problems and problems regarding modeling. Statistical analysis of the data revealed that the course significantly contributed to the development of preservice science teachers’ competencies for those who had two previous degrees compared with those that did not. Furthermore, a greater proportion of teachers were deemed highly competent at planning investigations and testing models than the more generative dimensions of scientific reasoning, such as formulating questions and generating hypotheses. Implications for science teacher education internationally and the movement towards competency-based curricula are put forward.

Developing the systems thinking skills of pre-service science teachers through an outdoor ESD course

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to explore the development of pre-service science teachers’ systems thinking skills through an outdoor education for sustainable development (ESD) course. The study was composed of four stages, which are defining systems thinking skills, designing an outdoor ESD course, developing measurement tools, and implementation. Twelve systems thinking skills were determined within the ESD and science education context. Qualitative data were collected through interviews and systems thinking skill levels were evaluated based on the rubric developed by the authors. Participants showed a slow improvement in four systems thinking skills which are related to considering the relationship between past, present and future, developing empathy with non-human beings, developing sense of place and adapting systems thinking perspective to personal life. There is a need to test the hierarchical level among the twelve systems thinking skills in future studies and to study each skill in different contexts.

Examining the Development of Pre-Service Science Teachers’ STEM-Focused Lesson Planning Skills

Examining the Development of Pre-Service Science Teachers’ STEM-Focused Lesson Planning Skills

Assessing Pre-Service Science Teachers’ Scientific Reasoning Competencies

Scientific reasoning competencies are highlighted in science education policy papers and standard documents in various countries around the world and pre-service science teachers are asked to develop them during teacher training as part of their professional competencies. In order to monitor the development of pre-service science teachers’ scientific reasoning competencies during their course of studies and to enable evidence-based improvements of teacher training, instruments for the assessment of scientific reasoning competencies are needed. However, studies propose that the validity of most instruments for assessing scientific reasoning competencies available so far can be questioned. This study presents an English translation of an already developed German multiple-choice instrument to assess pre-service science teachers’ scientific reasoning competencies. A sample of N = 105 Australian pre-service science teachers participated in this study by answering the translated instrument. Quantitative (differential item functioning, Mantel–Haenszel statistic) and qualitative (think-aloud protocols) analyses provide validity evidence for the translated instrument. Furthermore, the interpretation of the data as an indicator for the participating Australian pre-service science teachers’ scientific reasoning competencies suggests that there is a need for a more explicit emphasis on scientific reasoning in Australian science teacher training.

Effectiveness of Lesson Study Approach on Preservice Science Teachers’ Beliefs

Beliefs influence teacher decision in the classroom. Because of this reason, understanding teachers’ beliefs is important. It is also critical to study teachers’ beliefs who integrate science in the classroom. In this study, the effects of microteaching with lesson study approach on preservice science teachers’ beliefs about learning and teaching have been analyzed. Teachers’ Beliefs Interview (TBI) has been used for determining the development of preservice science teachers’ beliefs about learning and teaching. At the end of the study, it was determined that through microteaching with lesson study approach, preservice science teachers’ beliefs improved in a positive way that their beliefs significantly changed toward more student-centered. The findings from this study support the notion that application micro teaching with lesson study in Science Teaching Method Course has postitive impact on preservice teachers’ beliefs.

Development of Pre-service Science Teachers’ Understanding and Attitude towards Science Project by Teaching Management through Service Learning

The purposes of this research were to develop Pre-service Science Teachers’ (PSTs) understanding and attitude towards science by teaching management through service learning. The participants of this study were 9 volunteer PSTs who enrolled in 15-week Science and Technology Project in School course in the universities in Bangkok. This course focused on PSTs’ application of knowledge about science project to solve problem via doing community service. The researcher gathered data from observation, journal entries, and artifacts in the first semester of academic year 2015. Moreover, informal interviews were used for clarification. For data analysis, the researchers analyzed data with descriptive statistics and content analysis. Findings showed that most PSTs had increased understanding in doing a science project in aspects of integration to other learning disciplines, role of students, and role of advisors. Moreover, PSTs also increased their attitude towards a science project due to the construction of knowledge by themselves, development of many skills, and generation of societal benefits. These findings were considered in terms of further designing other courses activities.

Exploring Development of Pre-Service Science Teachers’Natural Selection Concepts according to Ecology and Genetics Concepts

Exploring Development of Pre-Service Science Teachers’Natural Selection Concepts according to Ecology and Genetics Concepts