Influence Preservice Teachers Research Articles

Examining the changes in the self-efficacy and pedagogical beliefs of preservice teachers in Japan

With the outbreak of the COVID pandemic, preservice teachers have experienced an unprecedented situation and faced various kinds of issues due to uncertain learning and teaching environments. As a result, they felt insecure and disappointed about their teaching performance during student teaching. Self-efficacy to teach and pedagogical beliefs are crucial elements that influence preservice teachers’ teaching performance during student teaching and their professional development in the early stage. This study adopted a quantitative research method to examine the changes in the self-efficacy and pedagogical beliefs of preservice teachers after student teaching during the initial teacher education stage in the Japanese context and how preservice teachers’ self-efficacy and pedagogical beliefs changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. A sample of 133 preservice primary teachers in a university in Western Japan was recruited in this study. Two structured surveys were used to collect the data, and factor analyses and paired t-tests were fitted. This study verified the validity and internal consistency of two surveys in the Japanese context. The results showed that the Japanese preservice teachers’ self-efficacy made a steeper change after student teaching. Their pedagogical beliefs increased significantly, however, yielded a small effect. The results suggested that student teaching is an essential source of influence on preservice teachers’ self-efficacy and pedagogical beliefs. This study contributes to the meaningful application of theories developed in the West to Japan by highlighting the Japanese educational context. This study provides implications for effectively reinforcing preservice teachers’ self-efficacy and pedagogical beliefs through developing deeper reflection skills, thus supporting them to overcome various challenges in their future teaching careers.

Preparing preservice mathematics teachers to teach for social justice

AbstractThis study describes preservice teachers' beliefs about teaching mathematics for social justice (TMSJ) after experiencing a two‐part professional development (PD) workshop on the subject. The research question is: To what degree does a PD experience, designed by a preservice teacher, influence preservice teachers' beliefs about TMSJ? The lead author is a preservice teacher who designed and enacted two workshops for education majors at Midwest University. Results indicated that preservice teachers' beliefs were statistically significantly different, with their beliefs trending toward “more strongly agree” about TMSJ after the two‐part PD. There was also less variance in their responses to the survey after the PD compared to before it. This research offers (a) a narrative of preservice teacher‐driven PD and (b) a rich description of a PD for preservice teachers, thus adding to prior literature about in‐service teachers' outcomes.

Can an online scenario-based learning intervention influence preservice teachers’ self-efficacy, career intentions, and perceived fit with the profession?

The purpose of this article is to explore how a brief, scalable, online scenario-based learning (SBL) intervention influences preservice teachers’ self-efficacy, career intentions, and perceived fit with the profession. A sample of 1,513 preservice teachers from a large undergraduate teacher education programme in Australia was recruited over two years to complete three SBL sessions (with four measurement points) over the course of three weeks. We conducted a series of latent change analyses to explore the patterns of change over time, with covariates including year in ITE programme, prospective teaching level, and sex. Results showed that self-efficacy, teaching commitment, and perceived fit with the profession increased after the initial SBL session, and the effect was maintained for self-efficacy and perceived fit, but not for teaching commitment. Implications for practice and further research are discussed.

Teaching Is Messy: Using Lesson Study to Reimagine Student-Centered Clinical Experiences

Teacher preparation is dependent on a clinical model of instruction where students apprentice with licensed teachers to gain experience in a classroom. It is not always easy to create these opportunities in schools that are local to the university, especially with a large middle-level program. This qualitative study examines how using lesson study in an early clinical experience can create high-quality experiences and develop innovative thinking around lesson design. This research answers the following questions: (1) What events do the preservice teachers identify as memorable in their interactions with students, peers, and teachers during a clinical experience that uses the lesson study model? (2) How does the lesson study model influence preservice teachers’ thinking about teaching? The results from the study suggest that a lesson study model is a viable option for middle-level teacher preparation programs. While it solves some practical issues, such as a lack of quality clinical experiences, it also creates an experience where students feel supported, scaffolded, and engaged.

Effectiveness of blended teaching in preservice teacher education: A meta-analysis

Blended teaching (BT) has the potential to prepare preservice teachers with lifelong learning capabilities that are essential for the constantly changing teaching profession. However, little is known about its effectiveness in this field. This review evaluated the effectiveness of BT in preservice teacher education, compared to conventional teaching approaches. A total of 15 experimental studies were included in the meta-analysis. Standardized differences in mean were chosen to compute the pooled effect size at 95% confidence interval (CI). The results demonstrate that BT outperformed the conventional teaching approaches in influencing preservice teachers’ academic performance (d = 0.922 (95% CI [0.403, 1.436], p < 0.001)), anxiety (d = −0.27 (95% CI [−0.537, −0.003], p = 0.048)), attitude (d = 1.302 (95% CI [0.008, 2.595], p = 0.049)), and self-efficacy for teaching (d = 0.54 (95% CI [0.203, 0.877], p = 0.002)). Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Does a cooperative training design influence pre-service teachers’ perceived quality of life?

PurposeOne of the main challenges of teacher education is to prepare pre-service teachers (PSTs) to implement various instructional models that promote the quality of learning at school. Beyond individualistic efforts and competition, cooperative learning (CL) environments provide PSTs with opportunities to experience positive interpersonal relationships and support. However, both instructional content knowledge acquisition and motivation for serenely implementing learning environments later in classrooms depend on PSTs being trained to make links between theory, research, and practice. The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of CL instructional programs on PSTs’ quality of life in light of their motivation and competencies for teaching in comparison with traditional direct instruction in the physical education (PE) setting.MethodAfter a pre-test, 69 PE-PSTs were randomly assigned to one of the following three training conditions comprising a theoretical presentation of CL designs coupled with (a) a Learning Jigsaw experience (LJE), (b) a Teaching Jigsaw experience focused on instructional acts (TJE), and (c) a Direct Instruction experience (DI).ResultsAlthough integrating CL into the PE-PST training program positively influenced instructional content knowledge acquisition, unexpected results related to participants’ motivation were obtained when the instructor made links between theory, research, and practice focusing on the teaching activity during Jigsaw training sessions.DiscussionRecommendations for planning innovative conditions in PE-PSTs’ training with respect to CL instruction and quality of life are discussed.

Discussion boards as a pedagogical tool engendering critical race conversations: Meeting anti-racist aims to raise consciousness and disrupt whiteness

This study's purpose was to offer an explanation into how intentionally-designed and anti-racist discussion board prompts influence preservice teachers' written critical race conversations. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: Instruction-As-Usual (IAU) or Disrupting Whiteness (DW), with the latter group assigned discussion board prompts that included prompts that tasked students to interrogate structural racism. Qualitative analyses of discussion board post data were merged through integrating survey response relationship interpretations. Our results indicate that whiteness disruption and racial consciousness racialized constructs were present. Moreover, DW students evidenced more frequent critical race conversations, and integrated results reaffirmed a more holistic, anti-racist teacher education strategy. We conclude with implications for anti-racist teacher educators who use DBs in their pedagogy.

Pre-Service Teachers’ Changes in Perspective: A Transformative Learning Experience During Teaching Practice in Remote Areas

Experiencing unfamiliar environments tends to foster transformative learning. However, limited studies investigate how experiencing contrasting localities fosters transformative learning, such as teaching practice in remote areas by pre-service teachers who are from elsewhere. This study focuses on revealing pre-service teachers’ transformative learning experiences during their teaching practice by investigating the changes associated with their teaching practice and how these changes occur. Using semi-structured interviews, we questioned forty-one pre-service primary teachers about their 1-year teaching experiences in remote areas of Indonesia. The findings show that pre-service teachers undergo changes in perspective, which indicate a transformative learning outcome. Three elements of the transformative learning process—disorientation, exploring new roles, and reflection—are also identified in the data. These three elements of the transformative learning process influence pre-service teachers’ perspectives. This implies that teaching practice in remote areas stimulates pre-service teachers to experience transformative learning.

Predicting Factors Influencing Preservice Teachers’ Behavior Intention in the Implementation of STEM Education Using Partial Least Squares Approach

The integration of STEM education has been promoted to improve the quality of education in the 21st century, with its usage leading to emphasis on the factors influencing the intentions of preservice teachers. Therefore, this study aims to determine the factors influencing preservice teachers’ intentions, as well as the effects of gender and age on the implementation of STEM education. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) was adopted to predict the relationship between knowledge, social influence, attitude, perceived usefulness, control, and behavioral intention (BI) of using STEM education among preservice secondary school teachers. A total of 30 item questionnaires on behavioral intentions were distributed to 201 respondents, with data being analyzed using the Structural Equation Model (SEM). The results showed that perceived usefulness had a positive significance, and a relationship with the attitudes of preservice teachers toward STEM education. Habit had a positive significance in influencing teachers’ behavioral intentions and implementation. Subjective norms did not have a significant correlation with BI and implementation. These results are recommended for providing solutions to analytical problems, and to successfully improve future learning through an educational approach.

How Does Career Calling Influence Preservice Teachers' Learning Engagement? A Multiple Mediating Roles of Occupational Self-Efficacy and Vocational Outcome Expectation.

This study used social cognitive career theory (SCCT) to explore the relationships between career calling, occupational self-efficacy, vocational outcome expectation, and learning engagement among preservice teachers at a normal university in China. Data from 1,029 preservice teachers were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling. The results revealed that career calling was found to be significantly and positively affected on learning engagement; occupational self-efficacy and vocational outcome expectation were identified as key mediators of this relationship. These findings advance our knowledge of how best to promote the learning engagement of preservice teachers and may inform the future design of teacher development programs.

Stereotype threat and colorblindness

PurposeThis paper aims to analyze the interviews conducted with preservice teachers. The analysis seeks to surface how colorblindness and stereotype threat may influence preservice teachers’ perceived implicit biases.Design/methodology/approachThis is a mixed-methods study that used quantitative data from the implicit association test (IAT) over three-time points to determine the implicit bias levels of preservice teachers. This paper reports on the qualitative findings related to the stereotype threat of interview participants.FindingsThe interviews revealed that participation in the study caused a defensive reaction related to stereotype threat. Despite having participated in an intervention that, on average, reduces bias as measured by the IAT participants’ expressed stereotyped beliefs about children of color and minimized the salience of race e.g. saying they did not see color. However, the interviews reveal that the participants believed that the intervention had made them aware of their own implicit biases and that it was within their ability to change these biases. These findings indicate that although considering implicit bias makes teacher candidates uncomfortable, it may also be an effective addition to teacher preparation programs.Originality/valueThis study used the IAT and an intervention to make preservice teachers aware of their own biases. During the interview process, there was significant evidence of stereotype threat among the participants who agreed to participate in the open-ended session.

Students’ experiences of reflective practices as pedagogy in early childhood higher education

ABSTRACT Early childhood education is a demanding profession, and teachers’ stress is inversely associated with the quality of their interactions with young children. In order to provide stress management tools to preservice teachers prior to entry into the field, there has been growing interest in the use of reflective practices as part of higher education pedagogy. There is initial evidence that reflective practices have the potential to positively influence preservice teachers’ well-being and teaching practice. Instructors at two universities incorporated the use of reflective practices, including journaling, in-class discussions, and mindfulness, into their early childhood courses. Students from these courses were invited to participate in focus groups regarding their experiences with the use of reflective practices as part of their course’s pedagogical approach; 21 students participated (n for Course 1 = 13, n for Course 2 = 8). Using constant comparative analysis, two primary themes emerged: 1) participants described important aspects of the process and structure of using reflective practices as part of their course, and 2) participants reported how reflective practices supported their social-emotional understanding and well-being. Implications for using reflective practices, including rich descriptions, examples, and practice suggestions, as part of early childhood higher education pedagogy are discussed.

Teaching Strategy in Early Childhood Education: Child-Friendly Classroom Management to Anticipate Bullying Behaviours

Bullying behaviour can have a negative impact on a child's physical and psychological health. Bullying in the classroom is a challenge for early-childhood educators. Preschool is the first place outside the home where children face social challenges when interacting with their classmates. Child-Friendly Class is the first step and part of the Children Friendly School (CSF) as a UNICEF program and an important Indonesian government policy to prevent the emergence of child bullying behaviour. This study aims to identify needs in the process of developing a Child-Friendly Classroom Management model to anticipate bullying behaviour. This research and development method uses an adaptation of the Rowntree model which includes three stages of the process and data collection techniques using interviews, questionnaires, and observation. The results of this study indicate that the preparation of an effective classroom management guidebook to create child-friendly classes needs to be followed up immediately. Several findings related to teachers' perceptions of classroom management, and child-friendly classes prove that child-friendly classes have not been implemented properly in PAUD institutions, with bullying behaviour still appearing in early childhood in PAUD institutions. PAUD teachers understand that it is important to implement classroom management but so far there has been no manual on how to manage effective classrooms as well as training related to the implementation of effective classroom management. The creation of child-friendly classes is believed to be able to help teachers suppress the emergence of bullying behaviour in early childhood.&#x0D; Keywords: Child-Friendly Classroom Management, Bullying Prevention, Early Childhood Education&#x0D;

Implementing lessons learned through occupational socialization theory to influence preservice teachers’ subjective theories

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of a secondary physical education methods course and early field experience, supplemented with reflective discussions via Twitter, on subjective theories of physical education. The course was organized using recommendations from the occupational socialization theory literature. Participants were 22 preservice teachers enrolled in the course. The preservice teachers were organized into groups of three and engaged in peer teaching before beginning a junior high school early field experience. Reflective practices were incorporated throughout the course including Twitter chats prompting PTs to examine their beliefs regarding the field of physical education. Data were collected using five qualitative methods and analyzed using analytic induction and constant comparison. Data analysis led to the development of three themes: (a) becoming aware of the realities of and changes needed within physical education; (b) reconsidering what it means to teach physical education; and (c) course organization and experiences opened the PTs to challenging their subjective theories. The preservice teachers recognized issues within the field of physical education and difficulties physical educators face as well as the ability of the physical educators to work with and support youth beyond their coaching roles. In doing so, they exhibited a shift from coaching to balanced orientations. Changes were facilitated through the development of relationships with the instructor and peers, reflection, and field experience. Findings provide evidence in support of recommendations for integrating occupational socialization theory into teacher education program development. Further, Twitter can be a useful tool for enhancing reflective practices particularly when teacher educators support preservice teachers as they develop more nuanced understandings of physical education.

Achievement goals as predictors of female pre-service elementary school teachers’ self-efficacy for learning math in a methods course

ABSTRACT Often pre-service early childhood and elementary teachers, many who are female, feel they are not good at math and appear uncomfortable at the prospect of teaching math. Given the influence pre-service teachers’ attitudes toward math might have on their learning, as well as that of their future students, examining the precursors of mathematical self-efficacy will prove helpful to instructors teaching math in elementary education coursework. Of relevance to the current study, some findings indicate achievement goals are linked to one’s self-efficacy for successfully completing mathematical tasks. However, published studies have not yet examined how the four achievement goals influence the self-efficacy for mathematical learning among pre-service elementary education students. Therefore, a unique purpose of this research is to focus on how achievement goals predict math self-efficacy among 163 female pre-service teachers enrolled in undergraduate elementary education math methods courses. Results reported here are part of a larger study examining pre-service teachers’ achievement goals for mathematical learning. Both mastery-approach and performance-approach goals were positive predictors of pre-service teachers’ self-efficacy for learning mathematics, while math anxiety predicted lower rates of self-efficacy.

Global Literature in Tandem with Study Abroad: Cultivating Intercultural Competence for Preservice Teachers

The purpose of this study was to examine how literature study and study abroad, in combination as methods of internationalization, influence preservice teachers’ (PSTs) intercultural competence and potential future classroom practices. Elementary education PSTs studied abroad in Germany for five weeks. As part of the preparation, they read a German novel identified as global literature. While abroad, they saw the corresponding movie and had conversations with German peers to better understand it within its cultural context. Three sources of data - My Cultural Awareness Profile, a Germany Questionnaire, and a Critical Blueprint novel reflection essay – were analyzed. To better connect experiential learning abroad to future teaching, faculty guided PSTs to critically examine their pre- and post-responses. The findings indicate global literature is effective to begin to shift PSTs cultural perspectives. In combination, literature study and study abroad bring a global perspective to teacher preparation that can cultivate PSTs’ intercultural competence.

Examining Hispanic Preservice Teachers’ Perceptions of Scientists in a Science Methods Course

This article describes the intervention strategies implemented in an effort to affect a group of Hispanic pre-service elementary teachers’ images of scientists during a science methods course in a teacher preparation program in the U.S.-Mexico border region. Although there is an extensive volume of research reporting on the use of the DAST-C instrument to study K-16 students’ images of scientists, the number of studies on exploring and influencing preservice teachers’ views of science and scientists is rather scarce. Findings in this study indicate that a semester-long intervention strategy focused on (a) pre-service teachers’ generated inquiry project, (b) written reflections on inquiry learning, and (c) a pre and post-drawing tests, allowed participants to reflect on their views about scientists and science, and experience a gradual shift from views conforming to stereotypical views of scientists to portrayals of science practitioners as individuals, just like other people in our society pursuing real interests.

The Influence of Emotion on Preservice Teachers as they Learn to Assess Student Learning Assess Student Learning

This paper explores the experience of emotion for eight preservice teachers as they learn to assess their students while concurrently being assessed. This qualitative study utilised semi-structured interviews and assessment-related artefacts. Findings indicate that emotional engagement influenced preservice teachers’ assessment decision making. The teachers also experienced emotional reactions as in turn they were assessed. This paper argues for the need of preservice teachers to be cognisant of the influence of emotion on themselves and their work, to allow them to better rationalise their assessment decision making and reflect on their practice.

What Occupational Socialization Factors Influence Preservice Teachers to Possess Fitness Orientations?

Purpose: To investigate the existence of fitness orientations among preservice teachers (PTs) and to identify what has influenced these orientations. Methods: The participants were 14 undergraduate PTs enrolled in a physical education teacher education games methods course in the Northeast United States. Qualitative data were collected through autobiographical essays, orientation of self-identification diagrams, and semistructured interviews. NVivo 11 Pro (QSR International, Burlington, MA) software package was employed to analyze data using analytic induction and constant comparison techniques. Results: Twelve PTs possessed moderate (n = 9) or hardcore (n = 3) fitness orientations. Orientations were influenced by three themes: (a) declining physical education quality, (b) elite sport fitness goals, and (c) former head sports coaches and/or current strength and conditioning coaches. Discussion: Faculty must understand the diverse orientation combinations that PTs can now possess and appreciate the acculturation and professional socialization factors that influence and reinforce the development of these orientations.

Developing Preservice Teachers’ Cultural Competency through Urban Immersion

This study examined how immersion experiences and a service-learning project influenced preservice teachers’ (PST) cultural competence.Questionnaires and focus group data were analyzed to measure changes in PST competency before and after experiences in NYC schools. Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test revealed statistically significant improvements in pre- (M=59.18, SD=15.04) and post- (M=68.64, SD=14.41) scores for Cultural Competency Behavior; yielding a medium intervention effect (d =.306). Non-significant differences between pre- (M=63.47, SD=4.33) and post- (M=65.23, SD=5.50) scores for Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity were reported. Qualitative themes include urban culture shock;Teacherand student motivations; Creative lesson planning; and Perception of future teaching practices.