Initial Teacher Training Programmes Research Articles

Educational robotics and primary school mathematics teaching: An analysis of pre-service teachers didactic-mathematical knowledge

The scarcity of studies dedicated to the integration of educational robotics (ER) in teaching mathematical content, and the discomfort of teachers when integrating ER in their teaching practices make it pertinent to understand the development of the didactic knowledge of mathematics necessary to integrate ER in mathematics teaching practices during initial teacher training. This qualitative and interpretive study identifies the knowledge of the didactic dimension from the didactic-mathematical knowledge conceptual framework that is mobilized by pre-service teachers (PST) during the implementation of mathematical tasks that integrate ER during the practicum. Through content analysis of the data collected on the PST’s performance, we mapped the occurrence and co-occurrence based on the components of the didactic suitability criteria. From the results, we highlight: (i) the existence of a relationship between the mathematical knowledge needed to teach, knowledge of the mathematics curriculum, and knowledge of ER and how its integration in the teaching process can influence the learning process and (ii) the positive contribution of the implementation in the practicum of mathematical tasks that promote robot manipulation/programming at the same time as the exploration of the mathematical content for the development of the participants’ didactic knowledge of mathematics. A practical implication of our results is that these features should be part of future work dedicated to integrating ER in mathematics teaching practices of PST, aiming to assess their value in initial teacher training programs.

Training Teachers For New Ways Of Understanding Physics Teaching From Its Mathematization

Using mathematics in physics teaching often becomes an obstacle to learning. About this problem, we study possibilities of training future teachers for new understandings about the relationship between physics and mathematics. Our main frame of reference is a research sequence developed in the Teaching and Learning of Physics research group. Data arose from participant observation in the “Didactics of Physics” course in an initial teacher training program. It was qualitative research of case study type, with 20 students finishing their training process. We focused on addressing the "mathematization of physics for teaching" in three phases by developing ways to enrich classroom interaction using experimental resources, technologies, and literature. The three phases were the criteria for planning and executing the course. 1) Phenomenological approach; 2) Physical systems observation and; 3) Conceptual modeling. Results show how students substantially changed the way of creating explanations in physics to the point of being able to work on topics that they did not understand at the beginning, such as Minkowski diagrams, quantum entanglement, and the concept of entropy. We found evidence of real possibilities to get out of the traditional way of presenting mathematics in physics, understanding the mathematization as a natural and mental process to see nature.

Teacher Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Tensions and Challenges of Initial Teacher Training Practices

The objective of the study is to characterize the ways of understanding and functioning of the formative triads of pedagogical practices, based on the decisions, tensions, and challenges faced by the initial teacher training programs in times of pandemic. The research used a qualitative-phenomenological perspective, inquiring into natural situations experienced by the formative triads of the pedagogical careers of 23 Chilean universities with recognized trajectories in teacher training. The interviews were conducted when the country was in a health emergency, that is, when schools and universities were carrying out remote teaching. The results show that the pandemic transformed the collaborative links between schools and universities, some links were broken, and others were strengthened, showing that the functioning of the triads is more declarative than real. In addition, the trainers (university tutor teacher and school guide teacher) faced two disconnected scenarios (school and university) that did not provide them with clear guidelines and concrete support for the development of their roles. This research has relevance for teacher training programs because it stresses the design of action plans to give continuity to practices in emergency situations and orients the evaluation of practice models to decide if they have the conditions to implement a model based on the formative triad.

Teachers’ Perceptions of Implementing Ontario’s Right to Read Report’s Recommendations

In 2022, the Ontario Human Rights Commission released the Right to Read Report that outlined 157 recommendations for literacy instruction in Ontario, Canada. For educators, these recommendations included using structured literacy in their classrooms. The present study investigated teachers’ perceptions of how difficult implementing these recommendations would be and what they saw as facilitators and barriers. Teachers reported that starting structured literacy practices would be easier than both stopping current practices (e.g., cueing, running records) and providing more intensive instruction or intervention to struggling students. They also noted that initial teacher training programs need to do more to prepare teacher candidates. They identified teacher training, classroom resources, funding, and teacher beliefs as the factors that can serve equally as facilitators and barriers to successful implementation. Recommendations are offered by teachers to ease a shift towards structured literacy practices.

A didactic engineering for the study of the Padovan’s combinatory model

Considering the content of history of mathematics textbooks, it’s evident that their emphasis is primarily on the illustrative aspects of recurring numerical sequences, with a particular focus on the Fibonacci sequence. Unfortunately, this limited approach results in the neglect of other sequences akin to the Fibonacci numbers, thus rendering the subject challenging for teaching purposes. This study aims to address this gap by offering a concise exploration of the combinatorial aspects of the Padovan numbers, specifically through the concept of a board as initially examined by mathematicians. In line with the research methodology of didactic engineering and the teaching theory of the theory of didactic situations, two problem situations have been developed, centered on the Padovan combinatorial model, thereby contributing to the enrichment of mathematical education within initial teacher training programs. Within this framework, various strategies are introduced that rely on visualization and counting, with the objective of illustrating specific mathematical identities suitable for potential classroom applications.

Preparation of the pre-service teacher to deliver comprehensive sexuality education: teaching content and evaluation of provision

BackgroundDespite the extensive benefits associated with the provision of comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) within a school context, many initial teacher training programs inadequately prepare pre-service teachers to deliver this content. Programs that do provide such instruction do not routinely share details of their curriculum, syllabi, or evaluation data.MethodsThis paper outlines the structure of an Australian undergraduate course for pre-service teachers that focuses on instruction in CSE. This course spans twelve teaching weeks, aligns with evidence-based principles for sexuality education, prioritises experiential learning and requires students to complete authentic, practical assessment tasks. Formative, process, and short-term impact evaluation data, based upon five years of delivery, are described.ResultsStudents completing this course reported statistically significant improvements in attitudes associated with CSE and comfort in facilitating all domains of learning (knowledge, attitudes, skills).ConclusionsPositive process and short-term impact data provide strong evidence for the provision of CSE to pre-service teachers, regardless of future teaching speciality. Proposed amendments include the creation of a fully online tuition pattern and an expansion of content to incorporate other audiences, such as community-based educators.

How do micro-placements in industry within an initial teachers’ training programme contribute towards bridging the gap between education and employment?

ABSTRACT The complex interplay between labour market needs and education poses significant challenges to the teaching profession, frequently criticised for its perceived inadequacy in addressing contemporary work – life dynamics and professional practices. In response to these challenges, the ‘Micro-Placements’ initiative was introduced in an initial teacher training programme in Malta, aimed at providing student teachers with practical exposure to different industries. This study reports on an evaluation conducted within a higher education institution, utilising a responsive approach alongside the RUFDATA evaluation framework to observe the value-added of having micro-placements in a programme that enables students to become teachers. Through qualitative analysis, this study underscores the value of micro-placements in enriching pedagogical practices by enabling teachers to integrate diverse workplace experiences, thereby fostering the development of skills essential for active citizenship among students. The findings advocate for the integration of micro-placements into initial teacher training programmes and for their incorporation into continuous professional development initiatives for educators.

Pre-service teachers’ perceptions towards integrating educational robotics in the primary school

This paper seeks to understand the impact of a training program on 19 pre-service primary school teachers’ perceptions towards educational robotics (ER). The training program is based on a reflective process of design and implementation of a learning scenario during the practicum, using a pre-experimental design. Quantitative data were collected through a questionnaire applied at three moments of the intervention: pre-intervention, post-intervention 1 (19 weeks after), and post-intervention 2 (37 weeks after). The results show that the features of the proposed training program positively influenced the pre-service teachers’ (PST) perceptions towards ER. Experiencing curricular integration of ER and participation in a reflective process of learning scenario design positively influenced their perceptions in post-intervention 1. After experiencing the integration of ER in the practicum class, PST adjusted their positive perceptions in post-intervention 2. PST also displayed a decrease in neutrality in their perceptions in post-intervention 1 and post-intervention 2. Given the limited sample, it’s not possible to generalize these results, however they have implications for initial teacher training programs dedicated to technology integration. PST must be allowed to confront their preconceived perceptions of integrating technology into teaching and learning processes with the reflective process of designing and implementing a lesson plan that integrates technology during the practicum.

Virtual reality platform for teacher training on classroom climate management: evaluating user acceptance

Enhancing the educational experience through Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) is a promising avenue, elevating the authenticity and responsiveness of simulations. Particularly in educational settings, IVR holds the potential to augment accessibility and engagement in learning. However, one pivotal aspect lies in assessing the learners' acceptance of such environments to ensure optimal and effective utilization of these technologies. This paper delves into the Didascalia Virtual-ClassRoom usability testing —an immersive IVR environment tailored for pre-service secondary school teachers. The platform transports users into a simulated classroom, where they are invited to play the role of a teacher. During the simulation, three scenarios are recreated, reproducing disruptive behaviours commonly faced in real classrooms. 84 participants (28 teachers and 56 pre-service teachers) engaged in decision-making to manage the classroom climate influenced by the simulated situations. To collect data, we used a questionnaire based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to assess and gauge users' inclinations and attitudes towards embracing the technology in question. To gain deeper insights into the user experience, participants were further invited to participate in semi-structured interviews, offering reflections and suggestions for potential enhancements. The evaluation process encompassed the perceived usefulness of the Didascalia Virtual-ClassRoom, shedding light on factors that could either facilitate or impede the adoption of this platform to enhance classroom management competence. The participants' perspectives serve as a valuable foundation for refining the tool's functionality, and their feedback fuels recommendations for its seamless integration into initial teacher training programs.

Social representations of teachers' dropout in the French context: An exploratory study

AbstractThis work aims to investigate the causes behind teachers leaving their profession in France, as well as the aspects that influence some teachers to stay in. The phenomenon of teacher dropout and abandonment is increasingly prevalent in OECD countries, particularly affecting new teachers. Taking a social psychological perspective, the research delves into the representational content of teachers' attitudes towards their profession. By distinguishing between teacher dropout and abandonment—the latter being considered an earlier phase, the results suggest that pupils play a central role in preventing teachers' dropout, along with the love and passion for teaching and the discipline they teach. Conversely, lack of consideration, inadequate resources, working conditions and classroom management challenges are identified as aspects contributing to increase teachers' dropout phenomenon. The findings provide an empirical basis for future studies and valuable insights for enhancing initial teacher training programmes. Understanding these phenomena through the lens of social representations provides valuable insights for developing supportive environments that foster teacher retention and well‐being and facilitate intervention and prevention strategies targeting key elements linked to teachers dropping out.

Exploring career changers’ experiences in a school-based initial teacher education programme for science teachers in England

This study explores the provision of a school-based initial teacher training programme in England, focusing on the perspectives of trainee science teachers who have transitioned from other professions into teaching. Data was gathered through questionnaires, on-site observations of training activities, and individual semi-structured interviews. The results of a thematic analysis shed light on various pedagogical approaches within the programme that were recognised as effective in reshaping participants’ teaching orientations and developing student-centred pedagogies. These approaches include experiential learning, modelled activities and the exchange of experiences. Participants also highlighted areas with room for improvement, particularly in enhancing the provision of constructive feedback and guided lesson planning. The study has implications for practical applications aimed at enhancing pedagogy within education programmes, to better facilitate the transition of career-change teachers into the teaching profession.

Perceptions and preparedness of secondary teacher trainees to foster inclusive schools for all

IntroductionThe advancement of inclusive education over the past few decades emphasizes the pivotal role of teachers in transforming the educational landscape. As schools transition toward a more inclusive approach, it is imperative to evaluate the efficacy of initial teacher training programs in preparing educators for this inclusive transition. This study aims to describe the preparedness and perceptions of students in the Master’s Degree in Secondary Education, Vocational Training, and Language Teaching (MDSE) regarding inclusive education, guided by the profile developed by the European Agency for the Development of Special Needs and Inclusive Education (AEDNEEI).MethodsFurthermore, the research analyzes how external factors, such as perceived self-efficacy, influence these perceptions and readiness for inclusive teaching. A total of 218 students enrolled in the MDSE, with an average age of 31.5 years and a standard deviation of 6, were examined. Of the participants, 33% were male and 67% were female. These students came from different Spanish universities and were either in the final stages of their studies or had already completed them. Prior to participating, they had finished the generic module and completed their practice sessions in secondary education centers. The “Teacher Training in Secondary Education: Key Elements for Teaching in an Inclusive School for All” (TTSE-IN) questionnaire was employed, which includes five validated and pertinent instruments, with four of them being employed for the study’s objectives: The “Questionnaire for Future Secondary Education Teachers about Perceptions of Diversity Attention,” the “Questionnaire for the Evaluation of Teacher Training for Inclusion CEFI-R,” the “Revised Scale of Feelings, Attitudes, and Concerns about Inclusive Education” (SACIE-R), and the “Brief Scale of Teacher Self-Efficacy.”Results and DiscussionThe results show the presence of positive attitudes in future educators along with a poor overall assessment of the training received, which raises concerns about the development of teaching functions more related to daily work in the classroom and the implementation of inclusive methodologies. At the same time, both regular and close contact with people in situations of special vulnerability, experience in training in nonformal contexts, and the level of teacher self-efficacy, in its different components, are postulated as some of the facilitators of the development of the postulates and values of inclusive education and predictors of greater capacity toward attention to diversity.

Self-Authorship: A Pedagogical Tool for Pre-Service Teachers to Develop (Pre)Professional Identity

This article reports on the use of self-authorship as a pedagogical tool to develop pre-service teachers’ professional identities. Pre-professional identity is considered a dynamic, less mature version of professional identity. Such a notion of fluidity in the professional self necessitates the integration of both personal and professional life experiences in the process of becoming, rather than already being, a teacher. A random sample of 56 pre-service teachers from a population of first-year students at a South African university was selected for this qualitative interpretivist study. Thematic analysis of personal reflections after a professional orientation programme indicates that the pre-professional identity of first-year pre-service teachers is mostly based on external cues and naïve perceptions rather than on well-thought-through personal ideology. The authors draw on Baxter-Magolda’s theory of self-authorship to highlight this influence of past life experiences that shape the pre-professional identity that first-year pre-service teachers bring to initial teacher training programs. Self-authorship is defined as a person’s ability to conceptualise and apply their own beliefs, identity, and social relations in various contexts. Findings confirm that most first-year pre-service teachers place themselves within the first phase of self-authorship. It is postulated that higher education institutions could, through platforms such as Work Integrated Learning, shift the structure and focus of pre-service teacher training programmes away from passive observation and instruction to active partnership, engaged reflection, and critical thinking. Such an approach can then contribute to professional and personal development through the remainder of the pre-service teacher programme. It is further argued that a longitudinal study is needed to explore this required movement towards and through the three phases of self-authorship.

An online video annotation tool for optimizing secondary teachers’ motivating style: Acceptability, usability, and feasibility

This paper introduces an online video annotation tool for improving teachers' motivating style (autonomy support and structure). The tool's acceptability, usability, and feasibility were tested by both pre- and in-service physical education teachers. Overall, both groups of teachers exhibited moderate to high acceptance of the tool and reported that its use stimulated reflection on their motivating style. Although the tool was user-friendly and required minimal guidance, some teachers expressed concerns about the time required to use it. In response, we have proposed several solutions. Finally, both groups of teachers agreed that an online tool could complement traditional self-reflection methods in initial teacher training programs.

Hybrid Blended Learning Solution for Teacher Education Innovation

The study reports data from the implementation of hybrid blended learning solutions (HBLS) in initial teacher training programmes for pre-school and primary school teachers. The design of the relevant university courses were revised in a transformative way, using innovative and digitally integrated approaches (DM 289/2021). Twenty teacher educators and 364 students were involved through the administration of semi-structured questionnaires whose dimensions investigated organizational flexibility to facilitate work-life balance processes, methodological quality and the role of teachers in HBLS.

Towards classroom inclusivity: exploring K-12 teachers’ sensitivity to cultural diversity (Hacia la inclusividad en el aula: explorando la sensibilidad a la diversidad cultural del profesorado de K-12)

ABSTRACTThe study explored teachers’ awareness of classroom cultural diversity using a cross-sectional survey and thematic content document analysis of Ghana’s inclusive education policy and teacher professional development manuals to explore teachers’ cultural diversity awareness. 219 K-12 teachers completed the survey. The study found that teachers are culturally sensitive to working with culturally diverse families and the use of non-standard English. However, most of the teachers have limited general cultural diversity awareness of their classrooms. Consequently, teachers are less culturally sensitive to using multicultural teaching methods and creating a multicultural classroom environment. Further, teachers are less culturally responsive in their assessment practices. Our study also revealed that although teachers were introduced to multicultural education during their initial teacher training programme, within their schools, there was limited ongoing teacher professional development on multicultural education. Results from the thematic content document analysis of the inclusion policy showed that within Ghanaian schools, there are no practical guidelines on how in-service teachers and pre-service teachers can be supported to address cultural diversities in the classroom and schooling contexts.

Expressed Willingness of STEM Teachers to Teach Engineering

Teaching engineering at the middle and high school levels has been a topic of discussion among scholars regarding the challenges it creates. One of the most critical challenges at the school level is identifying qualified teaching staff to lead engineering courses. The present study explored teachers’ willingness to lead an engineering course and the reasons behind their willingness or unwillingness to do so. The study involved 434 participants, who were enrolled in a STEM professional development program and were diverse regarding their teaching subjects, the grade levels they taught, and the locations of their schools in Turkey. In this mixed-methods study, researchers collected data at the beginning of an online professional development program. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, while qualitative data were analyzed with a data-driven codebook. Almost two-thirds of the participants were keen to teach an engineering course, yet differences were observed according to the subjects they taught and their professional backgrounds. Most of the mathematics teachers, the group with the highest percentage of willingness, seemed to have a holistic approach towards engineering, with half emphasizing collaboration between teachers and engineers. The study provided further insights into how initial teacher training and continuous professional development programs can be structured based on teacher expectations and needs.

Pre-Service Science Teachers’ Preparedness for Classroom Teaching: Exploring Aspects of Self-Efficacy and Pedagogical Content Knowledge for Sustainable Learning Environments

The technological reconfiguration of humanity and advancement requires initial teacher training (ITE) programs that create and enhance sustainable learning environments (SLEs) where teachers are prepared to embrace posthuman pedagogy to teach confidently. This case study aims to examine pre-service science teachers’ level of preparedness and teaching efficacy beliefs to teach in SLEs. The study findings revealed that teaching science requires content knowledge and an understanding of how to teach the content. Furthermore, education programs need to be responsive to the socio-economic demands and produce 21st-century-ready graduates. The participants’ teaching philosophy aims to promote SLEs where quality teaching will be prioritized. Without proper training, support and resources, this aspiration will remain a mirage. Maintaining responsive classrooms will thus be a challenge that continues to be an albatross to social change. This study has some implications for ITE programs, impacting the school curriculum and educational transformation.

Using Educational Robotics in Pre-Service Teacher Training: Orchestration between an Exploration Guide and Teacher Role

The proper integration of technology in teaching and learning processes must consider the role of teachers and students, as well as the design of tasks and the context in which they are implemented. Teachers’ perceived self-efficacy significantly influences their willingness to integrate educational robotics (ER) into their practice, so initial teacher training should provide opportunities for teachers to participate in structured activities that integrate ER. In this study, a class of pre-service teachers from an initial teacher training programme were provided with their first contact with an ER platform through the use of a simulator. We present the design process of a student exploration guide and teacher guide, developed over three iterative cycles of implementation, assessment and redesign. The analysis of the data collected allowed for improvements in the design of the tasks, the graphic component of the student exploration guide, and more precise indications for the teacher’s actions. The main contribution of this study is the chain orchestration between the simulator, student exploration guide and teacher guide, which allowed pre-service teachers to solve a set of challenges of increasing complexity, thereby progressively decreasing their difficulties and contributing to an adequate integration of ER in their future teaching practices.

Comparative Study of Dual Professionalism of Teachers in Vocational Education and Training in China and Australia

This study presents a comparative analysis of dual professionalism requirements for Vocational Education and Training (VET) teachers in China and Australia through comparing and analyzing policies and current literature from both countries. The findings of the study reveal that both China and Australia have implemented policies to enhance the teaching capability and industry expertise of VET teachers over the past few decades, indicating that dual professionalism is not a new concept in either country. However, each country’s VET system employs different strategies and practices to achieve dual professionalism, as reflected in their initial teacher training programs, vocational qualification requirements, and rules and expectations regarding teachers’ industry expertise and ongoing engagement in their vocational fields. This study asserts that although the quality and attributes of VET teachers may vary in different countries and education systems, the realization of dual professionalism in VET requires a collective and ongoing commitment from all relevant stakeholders in each country to equip their VET teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver high-quality vocational education programs.