Teacher Preparation Research Articles

The Current State and Ways of Improving Islamic Education in the Republic of Kazakhstan

The active development of modern information and digital society activates the issues of prospects and the search for ways of high-quality training of applicants for higher education in the speciality “Islamic Studies” in Kazakhstan and the creation of a modern system of methodological tools for such training as a guarantee of success and competitiveness of specialists in the field of Islamic studies in modern conditions on the labour market. The purpose of the study is to substantiate the need to improve the system of methodological tools used in the process of preparing applicants for higher education in Kazakhstan. In the course of a study conducted at the Egyptian University of Islamic Culture Nur Mubarak (Almaty) and the College of the Astana Madrassa, a methodological system for training applicants for technical and professional, post-secondary, and higher education in the speciality “Islamic Studies” is developed. In the course of the study, a survey is conducted among students and teachers to examine the level of Islamic education in the Republic of Kazakhstan for the following components of the survey: motivation for learning, development of professional competencies, use of innovative technologies and techniques, ways to improve Islamic education, problems of Islamic education, social interest of the population regarding Islamic education. Recommendations for improving the quality of Islamic education are formulated. This research identifies potential advancements in the methodology for educating candidates at technical, vocational, post-secondary, and tertiary levels, with a focus on incorporating aspects of preparedness for Islamic education. The study's practical contribution lies in its development of an enhanced methodological framework. This framework aims to elevate the education of candidates pursuing technical and professional, post-secondary, and higher education, particularly in shaping future experts during their academic journey in Kazakhstan's specialized higher education institutions.

Development and Evaluation of an Immersive Cinematic Escape Room for Disaster Preparedness and Self-Efficacy Among Nurses

BackgroundThe occurrence of natural disasters is unpredictable. Nurses need to have the core competency of disaster nursing to effectively respond to natural disasters. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of an immersive cinematic escape room (ICER) instructional approach in disaster preparedness and self-efficacy in nurses. MethodThis quasi-experimental research design used a convenience sample of 115 nurses. The course contents covered establishment of medical stations, incident command system (ICS), personal preparedness and protection in disasters, and mass casualty triage (START). Evaluation of disaster preparedness and self-efficacy occurred before, one week after and four weeks after the course. ResultsThe experimental group, lacking prior disaster preparedness education experiences, demonstrated a statistically significant improvement (p < .01) compared to the control group with more such experiences. At week four, both groups showed improvement in the self-efficacy scores, but the improvement did not achieve statistical significance (p > .05). ConclusionThe ICER approach significantly enhanced nurses’ disaster preparedness and self-efficacy. Educators are encouraged to adopt this approach for comprehensive disaster nursing education.

The interplay between teachers’ trust in artificial intelligence and digital competence

AbstractThis study examines the relation between K-12 teachers’ trust in artificial intelligence (TAI), their knowledge of AI (KAI), and their digital competence (DC). It further examines the relation between TAI and age, sex, teaching experience and International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) levels. The study employed a comprehensive and validated instrument and used a sample of 211 primary and secondary school teachers. The results show that there is a significant positive relation between all three variables and that KAI is a robust and substantial predictor of TAI. In the absence of KAI, the significant relation between DC and TAI ceases to exist. In addition, teachers with different levels of DC do not show significant differences in their attitudes towards AI. Results further show that TAI is independent of age, sex, teaching experience and ISCED level in this sample of teachers. The study contributes valuable insights into the complex interplay between teachers’ TAI, their KAI, and their DC, providing practical implications for policy, teacher preparation and professional development in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI integration in education.

Practicing a Pedagogy of Discomfort with Teacher Candidates: Observations and Reflections from a Year-Long Case Study

This article explores the outcomes of instruction employing a pedagogy of discomfort (or disequilibrium)—a teaching style that embraces discomfort as a part of the learning process—in a teacher preparation program. Drawing on data from a case study, we present findings from our work involving teacher candidates in discussions about social injustices to encourage a deeper understanding of the origins of these societal issues and a greater awareness of how they impact PK-12 education. This paper identifies the minimization and validation of difference and privilege that emerged in the context of participants’ responses, including themes that circulate around responsibility to change the existing system into one that is more equitable to all.

Systemic Success in Physical Education: A PLC Before Its Time

Drawing from a variety of conceptual and theoretical frameworks, this article provides a summary of decades of research into a university–district partnership that in multiple ways could be considered a systemic success. It describes the practices and processes of how two sectors of the broader physical education system (i.e., in-school physical education and teacher education) have complemented each other in the pursuit of the ongoing workforce development of physical education professionals. Physical education professionals belonging to the participating school district and teacher preparation program have sustained a working partnership based on sound professional learning community (PLC) principles (e.g., ongoing professional development, collaborative teaming, common vision, mission, and language, strong support from the central office) long before PLCs became fixtures in districts and schools. Indeed, this partnership could, in many respects, be described as a PLC before its time. This article highlights the partnership’s early days and several features that have supported its success and longevity. It also offers supporting evidence from the perspectives of the students, parents, and teachers who have been associated with this partnership.

Готовность будущих учителей к работе в технопарке универсальных педагогических компетенций

&lt;p style="text-align: justify;"&gt;The article considers the problem of future teachers&amp;rsquo; readiness to work in the technopark of universal pedagogical competencies. The professional standard of a teacher, the Federal State Educational Standard of Higher Education is analyzed and the requirements for the activity of a physics teacher organizing the educational process in a technopark are highlighted. The article analyzes the importance and readiness of future teachers to organize the educational process when teaching physics by means of the technopark. The obtained results of experimental work based on the technopark of universal pedagogical competencies of the South Ural State Humanitarian and Pedagogical University among undergraduate students in the field of training &amp;ldquo;Pedagogical education&amp;rdquo; profile &amp;ldquo;Physics. Mathematics&amp;rdquo; and &amp;ldquo;Technology. Additional education&amp;rdquo; when introducing practice-oriented tasks. As a result of work in the conditions of the technopark, difficulties are highlighted, recommendations are given and a general conclusion is made about the readiness of students of a pedagogical university and future teachers to work in the technopark of universal pedagogical competencies.&lt;/p&gt;

Teachers’ perceptions of teaching science with technology-enhanced self-regulated learning strategies through the DECODE model

AbstractThis study investigates the nuanced interplay between self-regulated learning (SRL) and technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) among 192 Taiwanese voluntary pre-service and in-service teachers, seeking to understand how teachers perceive the integration of technology with SRL strategies in science education. The participants were recruited in workshops based on the DECODE model, which demonstrated a micro-unit of evolution incorporated in SRL strategies, involved them in co-reflected, and summarized what they had experienced in technology-enhanced environments. Participants self-reported measures of SRL and TPACK were subjected to path analysis. Results indicated that SRL positively influenced technological pedagogical knowledge (TPK) and technological content knowledge (TCK), subsequently fully mediating the relationship between SRL and TPACK; namely, TCK and TPK acted as mediatory factors. Furthermore, this study delved into teachers’ perceptions of technology-enhanced instruction and SRL through their responses in workshops. We identified five main themes through thematic analysis. The findings highlighted the pivotal role of technology in cultivating interactive learning environments, offering real-time feedback, and integrating multimedia into teaching. Teachers’ perceptions were expanded and refined after demonstrating a micro-unit with SRL strategies and subsequent reflective prompts. Participants acknowledged the imperative of teacher preparation in effectively leveraging technology and emphasized the crucial role of adaptive scaffolding in promoting SRL strategies. In summary, these findings present a viable path for augmenting teachers’ TPACK through SRL and provides insights into teachers’ perceptions of technology-enhanced SRL. The study has implication on the potential of the DECODE model and incorporation of SRL strategies for science educator’s professional development of TPACK.

Constructing expertise: reframing intelligence with preservice teachers

ABSTRACT We argue that part of inclusive teacher preparation is building a mindset that positions all learners as valuable and capable members of the classroom community. A key piece of developing this mindset is engaging pre-service teachers in authentically rethinking their understanding of intelligence and expertise. This article is a descriptive piece of an inclusive education teacher preparation programme making changes to construct teachers and peers with intellectual disability as experts to help develop future teachers. We describe the programme and two features that position people with intellectual disability as experts: hiring a teaching assistant with an intellectual disability for an introductory special education course and embedding a semester-long experience that pairs pre-service teachers with college students with intellectual disability. We describe these experiences and what preservice teachers shared about them. Implications for teacher education and future research are discussed.

Integrating The Quran with The Acquired Knowledge: A Need Analysis for Developing a Model in Kolej Permata Insan

Kolej PERMATA Insan (KPI) curriculum uses integration revealed and acquired knowledge (INAQ) concept for all subjects, including Quran memorisation. Integrating memorised Quranic verse with the acquired knowledge is implemented in the Tadabbur class using tafsir ‘ilmi approach involving selected kawniyyat verse from the memorisation syllabus. This study aims to analyse the need to develop a model for integrating memorised Quranic verse with the acquired knowledge in KPI. This qualitative study used interview methods involving Quran teachers, students, and KPI alums. The findings show challenges in integrating the memorised Quranic verse with the acquired knowledge at Kolej PERMATA Insan, which is the absence of specific guidelines, students’ ability, preparation and ability of teachers, and teaching and learning methods. In addition, there is a need for model development in the context of such integration. The model can guide in integrating Quranic verse with acquired knowledge, subject to specific disciplines in interpreting meaning.

Subjective Well-being of Parents in an Inclusive School

Subjective Well-being of Parents in an Inclusive School

Исследование мотивации педагогов к наставнической деятельности в школах (на примере Санкт-Петербурга)

&lt;p&gt;The article is devoted to the study of the motivation and readiness of teachers to implement the target model of mentoring in order to identify and evaluate the factors influencing this process. We considered theoretical foundations of the organization of mentoring, possible approaches to the study of strategies for the behaviour of teachers during its implementation, and gave the characteristics of their manifestations. The results of study were obtained on a sample of teachers from 4 secondary schools in one of the districts of Saint Petersburg. We used the methods &amp;ldquo;Motivational profile&amp;rdquo;, &amp;ldquo;Determination of the motives of teachers&amp;rsquo; work activity&amp;rdquo;, &amp;ldquo;Motivational readiness of the teaching staff to master innovations&amp;rdquo;, &amp;ldquo;Barriers preventing the development of innovations&amp;rdquo;, based on generally accepted methodology, proven research design, methods of data collection and analysis, which minimize the impact of systematic and random errors, reduce the reliability of the data. The results obtained show that teachers from different schools have similar characteristics of readiness for mentoring activities, which is largely determined by the level of motivation of teachers, the nature of their attitude towards mentoring, and the degree of understanding of its necessity and importance.&lt;/p&gt;

Turn-over and Retention Among Head Start Educators

AbstractEducators shape the quality of early education programs and are essential to children’s learning and healthy development. However, the early childhood education field is often challenged in retaining educational staff. Using a descriptive research design this study explores turnover and retention through the voices of Head Start and Early Head Start education staff. Education staff identified retention factors to be, holding a job with meaning and purpose that made a positive difference for children, families and communities, access to professional development opportunities, and positive connections with colleagues. While, low wages, high volumes of paperwork, complex caseloads, lack of recognition, weak onboarding, teacher preparation practices, and lack of voice in program changes, were identified as turnover factors. Despite low wages educators voiced they are more likely to stay when their growth and relatedness needs are being met. Overall turnover and retention were influenced by an organization’s systems, practices, and working conditions and how well these met the human core needs of its staff.

"We are not being taught sustainable citizenship!"

Education on sustainability is a crucial goal that requires a transformative shift in teacher education to drive meaningful changes oriented to action. A cross-sectional study with an exploratory design investigated preservice science teachers' perceptions regarding teaching sustainable citizenship, specifically focusing on the climate crisis and earthquakes-tsunamis. The study was conducted in two Chilean universities with similar teacher preparation programs. The team designed a podcast series, which was used and evaluated by the 13 participants through action research. Three group discussions explored their perceptions of the resources, as well as the aims and challenges of teaching sustainable citizenship and the podcasts. We used Grounded Theory steps, including triangulation by the researchers to ensure reliability, to qualitatively analyse the data. The results reveal a constraint on teaching in areas where the participants lacked the necessary preparation and background knowledge as students and preservice teachers. The main challenges were related to interdisciplinarity, the social dimension of socio-scientific issues and context-responsive teaching methods. The perceived aims were the development of students' critical thinking, informed positioning, and encouraging active citizen participation. Preservice teachers found the podcast series to be a valuable new epistemic and pedagogical resource that can support their efforts to teach sustainable citizenship and implement pedagogical strategies. The autonomous usage of the device triggered reflection processes, particularly regarding the human rights perspective, which unveiled the socio-political dimensions inherent in science education. It promoted personal re-positioning as active citizens and educators and empowered them to seek out and pursue the changes needed to reshape future classrooms. We discuss these findings in the context of teacher preparation and the use of educational technology in teacher education.

Digital-inclusive Transformation and Teacher Preparedness for Foreign Language Education – A Bilateral German-Norwegian Perspective

Digitalisation and inclusion can be understood as transversal topics in pre- and in-service teachers’ professional development. Both topics have attracted considerable research activity. However, questions of digital-inclusive transformation have only rarely been discussed within the field of foreign language teaching. Researchers in the field state a pressing need to increase digital-inclusive transformation uptake in foreign language teacher education programmes to develop a transformation ‘mindset’ in (educational) stakeholders and (future) teachers. Transformation processes in education, however, interact with preparedness for digitalisation and inclusion among pre- and in-service teachers, since the attitude and the willingness of teachers to adapt to digital reality play a decisive role in improving the quality of (digitally enhanced) teaching and learning. Currently, little is known about the interrelationship between the preparedness to use digital technology for foreign language teaching and learning and the preparedness to include foreign language learners with diverse learning needs (DLN) in the digital-inclusive classroom. To this end, this bilateral cross-country study investigates factors that constitute an attitudinal component of foreign language teachers’ perceived preparedness for using digital technology with learners with diverse learning needs in Germany and Norway. The Teacher of English Preparedness to Diverse Learning Needs in the digital inclusive classroom questionnaire was administered to 221 participants. The results show a fresh perspective on preparedness for digitally enhanced inclusive teaching linked to educational system requirements for foreign language teaching. Importantly, confidence when using digital technology in the inclusive classroom is decisive. For teacher education, it is vital that the attitudinal component of teacher preparedness receives more attention throughout teacher training. It should be related to previous experience of teachers with DT in digital-inclusive environments and be part of a heuristic conceptualisation of teacher preparedness for digitalinclusive contexts.

Heutagogy as an alternative in teacher education: conceptions of lecturers and pre-service teachers of school of education and life-long learning, SDD-UBIDS

IntroductionThe needs of today’s higher education have changed and higher education does not need a one-way communication from teacher to student but rather learn to appreciate the new role of the teacher as a facilitator with mutual responsibilities toward the creation of knowledge. Heutagogy, which emphasizes learner autonomy and the creation of self-determined learners, has garnered attention as a potential solution to address the evolving needs of teacher preparation. However, empirical research on the beliefs and attitudes of Heutagogy within the teacher education context remains limited. This study aimed to fill this gap by exploring the beliefs and attitudes of lecturers and pre-service teachers of the School of Education and Life-Long Learning (SoELL) at SDD-UBIDS.MethodsConvergent mixed method design with both quantitative and qualitative data analysis, the study collected both quantitative and qualitative data on 513 Pre-service teachers and 30 Lecturers from SoELL, SDD-UBIDS using a four-point Likert scale questionnaire and interview.ResultsThe findings revealed diverse perspectives among Lecturers and Pre-service Teachers regarding Heutagogy, with varying levels of understanding, acceptance, and readiness for implementation. Lecturers expressed enthusiasm for Heutagogy’s potential to foster learner autonomy and critical thinking skills, while pre-service teachers demonstrated varying levels of readiness and comfort with self-directed learning approaches.DiscussionLecturers and Pre-service teachers expressed willingness to embrace a self-determined approach in which the learner reflects on what is learned and how it is learned and where the Lecturers teach the learners how to learn by themselves. The cognitive conflict and the inadequacy of pre-service teachers’ preparedness will necessitate a shift in their attitudes toward developing autonomy skills to effectively navigate the challenges of the 21st-century knowledge economy.

Addressing imperial evasion: toward an anti-imperialist pedagogy in teacher education

ABSTRACT Despite the pervasive impact of US imperialism, it is often ignored in US schools and teacher preparation programs. This paper introduces the concept of imperial evasion, which refers to the process of ignoring and denying imperialism and its effects. The authors argue that it is imperative that educators work to interrogate imperialist ideologies through curricula, and prepare future educators to disrupt such ideologies, policies, and practices in schools. Using a collaborative scholarly personal narrative approach, the authors discuss their experiences and approach to designing and teaching a course on migration and education at a US university. Ultimately, this paper responds to calls to disrupt imperial ideologies in education by (1) providing a framework for identifying and naming imperial evasion and how it operates through schooling; and (2) describing and reflecting on curricular and pedagogical approaches to disrupting such evasions in a teacher education course.

EFL Teachers’ Perceptions of the Use of Science Fiction to Teach Reading &amp; Writing

EFL Teachers’ Perceptions of the Use of Science Fiction to Teach Reading &amp; Writing

Exploring a practice‐based approach to elementary preservice science teacher preparation

AbstractThe science methods course model presented here, called an immersed methods course (IMC), engaged preservice elementary teachers in reform‐based science instructional approaches within authentic classroom settings and with elementary students in a guided format. Questions guiding the study were: (1) Did participation in the IMC model impact preservice teachers (PTs') science teaching self‐efficacy? (2) Which science methods course model activities/experiences did PTs identify as the most impactful on their science teaching? (3) How did participation in the IMC model impact PTs' understandings of science teaching? Participants were 138 elementary PTs from a Southeastern United States university. Data were collected from seven course sections over 3 years and included pre/post science teaching self‐efficacy survey data, post written responses, and interviews. Member checking approaches were also used to refine and establish the validity of findings. Researchers completed qualitative data analysis, which was complimented by quantitative statistical analysis. Findings across data sources suggest participation positively influenced PTs' science teaching self‐efficacy and beliefs about the effectiveness of the instructional approaches. Participation also helped PTs apply theories to practice and develop competency using the practices. Findings highlight how the IMC model mitigates constraints associated with current science teacher preparation approaches.

Preservice teachers learning to teach online: Developing teacher leaders.

Technology is woven throughout our daily lives now more than ever. Therefore, teacher education programs need to meet this digital demand and begin to prepare teacher candidates for their future in teaching with technology. Even before COVID-19, K-12 education included virtual schools, therefore, the necessity of preparing teacher candidates for the successful implementation of online instruction are of utmost importance. To meet the needs of their future students, candidates must be prepared to integrate technology into their teaching as well as be prepared to teach online. To prepare 21st century learners, teacher candidates must create learning opportunities for their students to learn with and through technology. The Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) structure was designed for teachers to understand the relationships between and among technology, pedagogy, and content. The purpose of this research was to revise traditional instruction where the professor models and implements technology tools to allow candidates the opportunity to develop their TPACK in their two years in a teacher education program. To develop the TPACK of teacher candidates, education preparation professionals worked together to design and implement the School of Education, Technology Integration Project. Through this innovative approach developed by a team of professors, the School of Education has changed its’ coursework in all programs to include more online teaching, the inclusion of technology for teaching content, and the use of assistive technology. As a result, student teachers and graduates are reporting that they are now being recognized as teacher technology leaders and are showcasing technology lessons at their schools.

Probabilistic literacy and reasoning of prospective secondary school teachers when interpreting media news

AbstractEducating students to apply probability literacy and reasoning in out-of-school contexts requires the previous preparation of teachers, which should include the assessment of their mathematical and didactic knowledge. Consequently, we investigated three research questions concerning the probabilistic reasoning and literacy of 66 prospective secondary school teachers when solving probability questions related to a report taken from the media news, their ability to identify the fundamental stochastic ideas needed to solve the task, and their capacity to predict their students’ potential difficulties. The participants needed to compute the probability of a complementary event, several conditional probabilities, and perform critical reading of the information in the report. Despite the participants’ good mathematical knowledge, a high percentage showed reasoning biases, such as the fallacy of the transposed conditional, confusion between conditioning and causation, and few identified the information missing to solve a question. There was a poor capacity to determine the stochastic ideas needed to solve the questions, beyond probability, sample space, conditional probability, and sampling. The participants quoted a few potential errors of their students, mainly conceptual mistakes with scarce recognition of interpretation errors. These results reveal the need to reinforce teachers’ probabilistic literacy, reasoning, and related didactic knowledge.