Pre-service Early Childhood Education Teachers Research Articles

An intervention program to enhance social and emotional competencies in pre-service early childhood education teachers

Early childhood is a crucial period for the development of social and emotional competencies. Researchers point out that teachers need to have a high level of social and emotional competencies to enhance these competencies in their students but the number of programs to promote these competencies in pre-service teachers is small. The objective of this study was to design, conduct and evaluate an intervention to promote social and emotional competencies in pre-service early childhood education teachers. The study used a non-randomized pre-test, post-test intervention-control design. The intervention included competencies such as emotional awareness and understanding, emotional management, social competence and responsible decision making. Results showed that the level of social and emotional competencies increased after the program, although statistically significant differences between the intervention and control group were found only in some dimensions. It is recommended to include similar programs in pre-service and in-service teacher education in general.

Let’s Talk: Examining the Short and Long term Effect of Inclusion Literature on Early Childhood Pre-Service Educators

ABSTRACT Pre-service teacher education programmes should systematically plan to increase the PST’s understanding of how to meet the needs of the 13% of the children with disabilities in the general education classroom and develop skills and strategies to support children with disabilities and their families. Reading inclusion literature, non-fiction literature written either by an individual with a disability or their families, may offer PSTs a deeper understanding, augment the information they learn in the textbooks, and make clearer the complexity of the lives of students with disabilities and their family’s experience. The participants were 22 pre-service early childhood education teachers enrolled in a senior-level Family, School, and Community course at a university in a southern state during their semester prior to student teaching. After reading a non-fiction inclusion literature book, participants reflected on what they learned from the book and how the book might impact their teaching in the future. Coding of all reflections revealed the following emergent themes: Understanding Parent Perspectives, Deeper Understanding of the Student and their Disability, and Advocacy. Results indicate a strong impact on how pre-service early childhood educators will support and interact with children with disabilities and their families in their future classrooms.

Infancy pedagogy and praxis

ABSTRACTThrough an examination of the reflective comments of 42 pre-service Early Childhood Education Teachers (PS-ECETs), this study describes how an infancy course within an Early Childhood Education program used four different ways of organizing learning to unravel details of infant pedagogy, focusing on the role of the teacher. It is vital to theorize the pedagogy of infants and unfold appropriate and educative ways of working with babies. Findings suggest that the PS-ECETs describe their roles and the goals they set for the infants, differently based on the way of organizing learning (routines, structured play, quiet time observation, and purposeful playful intervention). The level of teacher involvement changes according to the way of organising learning, being more active during structured play and less active during quiet time observation. The outcomes of this study provide important implications for practice within infant classrooms supporting future infant teachers and suggestions for ECE teacher education.

Investigating Pre-Service Early Childhood Education Teachers’ Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) Competencies Regarding Digital Literacy Skills and Their Technology Attitudes and Usage

The integration of technology into education is a substantial issue for supporting and updating teachers’ professional development in today’s world and bringing up digitally literate generations and well-educated human capital. Studies have shown that technology integration in education is a complex and multidimensional issue. TPACK transcends the triad of core knowledge types and comprises the basis for the effective integration of technology into teaching. Therefore, the present study sought to understand the contribution of the technology attitudes and usage, digital literacy skills, and online reading comprehension strategies in pre-service early childhood teachers’ TPACK competencies. The participants in the study were 481 voluntary pre-service early childhood teachers (female=398, male=83). The data were collected as a cross-sectional survey. The study findings revealed that pre-service teachers’ TPACK competencies are associated with their technology attitude and usage, digital literacy skills, and online reading comprehension strategies, as well as that the variables explained 38% of the variance. However, pre-service teachers’ grade level and GPA are not related to their self-reported TPACK competencies. These findings can be seen as signals of the necessity for theoretical knowledge and practice to be developed in pre-service teachers’ technology integration in education.

Socioeconomic Profile of Early Childhood Education Preservice Teachers

Socioeconomic Profile of Early Childhood Education Preservice Teachers

Content- and Language-Integrated Learning Based Strategies for the Professional Development of Early Childhood Education Pre-Service Teachers

This research article presents the results of an exploratory study that was conducted with a group of 14 early childhood education pre-service teachers at a private Colombian university. It intended to determine: 1) the amount of metalanguage expressions used for teaching English as a foreign language (EFL) and foreign language (FL) content; 2) the number of concepts related to the teaching of EFL and FL content pre-service teachers were able to learn in a 7-session (14 face-to-face hours) course based on a methodology inspired by the content and language integrated learning (CLIL) approach, using songs, rhymes, and poems in English; 3) the degree of difficulty pre-service teachers perceived about teaching English and English content to young children. This quasi-experimental study was performed with pre- and post-study tests given to one group, analyzing quantitative data through a non-parametric statistical hypothesis test and a non-parametric measure of rank correlation. Pre-service teachers were found to successfully learn vocabulary and concepts, but their perceptions about the degree of difficulty of teaching EFL and FL content remained basically the same as prior to the course. In addition, the correlation between the participants’ level of English and their learning process was analyzed, as well as the correlation between English proficiency level and perception of the degree of difficulty of teaching EFL and FL content. The results show a strong correlation in the first case, but no correlation for the second one.

은유분석을 통해 본 학대, 체벌, 훈육에 대한 예비유아교사들의 인식

은유분석을 통해 본 학대, 체벌, 훈육에 대한 예비유아교사들의 인식

The effect of self-esteem and resilience of pre-service early childhood education teachers on educational beliefs

The effect of self-esteem and resilience of pre-service early childhood education teachers on educational beliefs

The effect of self-esteem and resilience of pre-service early childhood education teachers on educational beliefs

The effect of self-esteem and resilience of pre-service early childhood education teachers on educational beliefs

An undergraduate inclusive teacher preparation programme in early childhood education: an online delivery approach

ABSTRACTAs teacher shortages or teacher turnover rate continue to proliferate in the field of early childhood education (ECE) across the United States in the past few decades, there seem to be a pressing need for teacher preparation programmes to accommodate prospective ECE pre-service teachers (who do not have the chance to enroll in traditional teacher preparation programmes due to geographical reasons, busy daily work schedules, and other personal reasons). This accommodation will provide them the alternative to complete their entire online coursework in ECE that would adequately prepare them for careers in various inclusive early childhood settings. This article will describe the organization and development of an alternative online approach for the degree of Bachelor of Science in ECE in a southwestern state of the United States.

Early Childhood Open-Mindedness: An Investigation Into Preservice Teachers’ Capacity to Address Controversial Issues

We investigated the characteristics of early childhood education (ECE) preservice teachers (PSTs) who were identified as closed minded and their capacity to deal with controversial issues. We define open-mindedness as the willingness to consider experiences, beliefs, values, and perspectives that differ from one’s own. First, we used quantitative surveys to identify PSTs with less open-minded thinking dispositions among those who responded ( n = 84). Then, we selected and ultimately interviewed five participants who indicated that their religious views played a significant role in the way they developed their epistemological and ontological views. Interviews suggested that concepts of social justice and the common good were seen as inimical to their core religious beliefs. As such, some respondents avoided these ideas without sufficiently entertaining the complexity involved with their religious beliefs and democratic ideals. This study has numerous implications for the macrocurriculum of teacher education.

First-year practicum experiences for preservice early childhood education teachers working with birth-to-3-year-olds: An Australasian experience

ABSTRACTThis article reports on a project, “Collaboration of Universities Pedagogies of Infants’ and Toddlers’ Development—‘down under’ (CUPID),” in which the practicum experiences of 1st-year preservice initial teacher education (ITE) students at five universities across Australia and New Zealand (NZ) engaging in early childhood education (ECE) teacher programs were evaluated as part of a larger longitudinal project. The results from year 1 of their qualification experiences highlight the diverse and complex approaches to practicum experiences, ranging from specialized events with birth-to-3-year-olds to generic practicum with a wider age group. The implications of the practicum experience, in its many iterations, are explored in terms of the treatment of infant and toddler pedagogy as a specialization, and as an integrated component of the curriculum. While an assumption appears to exist that infant and toddler specialization is optimum, the early results of this study, at end of year 1 of the qualification, suggest that associated practicum experiences are not consistently offered to 1st-year students in this domain nor is a pedagogy specialism for this age group promoted. This article speculates on the reasons why this phenomenon occurs, the limitations and potentialities such a view upholds, and the implications for teachers in their work with birth-to-3-year-olds in the current policy context of both countries.

Beginning early childhood education teachers’ classroom management concerns

This paper reports an analysis of the classroom management concerns of pre-service early childhood education (ECE) teachers prior to beginning their career and further examines the difficulties they experienced in classroom management in their first year of teaching and their coping strategies. Sixteen pre-service ECE teachers enrolled in the same teacher education programme were interviewed immediately before graduation, and were again interviewed at the end of the first and second semesters after they started to work in public schools. Phenomenological analysis was utilized for the data analysis. The findings revealed that all of the participants had a fear of being unable to manage their classes before starting their careers because they felt unprepared. However, they experienced fewer problems than expected after they started to teach. The teachers first tried to build trusting and close relationships with the children to create a peaceful classroom climate, while also attempting to empower the children by involving them in decision-making processes. In this way, the children became aware of the class rules and felt free in their actions within the limits of the rules.

스마트 교육 도입 및 활용에 대한 예비 유아교사의 인식과 태도

본 연구의 목적은 스마트 교육 도입 및 활용에 대한 예비 유아 교사의 인식과 태도를 살펴보는 것이다. 이를 위해 J시, 전문대학 유아교육과에 재학 중인 예비 유아 교사 262명을 연구 대상으로 선정하여 설문지와 포커스 면접을 실시하였다. 연구 결과, 예비 유아 교사는 대부분 스마트 폰을 사용하며, 하루 2시간 이상을 통화하는 용도이외로 사용하였다. 용도는 주로 메신저로 사용하는 것으로 나 타났다. 스마트 교육의 도입 및 활용에 대한 태도는 개인적 변인에서는 통계적으로 유의미한 차이가 나타나지 않았고, 수업에서의 기기 활용 경험, 발달에 대한 영향에 따라 통계적으로 유의미한 차이가 나타났다. 포커스 면접을 통하여. 예비 유아 교사의 스마트 교육 도입 및 활용에 대한 인식을 분석한 결과, 2개의 주제, 4개 영역, 18개의 의미 범주가 나타났다. The purpose of this study is to examine the perceptions and attitudes of pre-service early childhood education teachers about the introduction and utilization of smart education. We selected 262 pre-service early childhood education teachers. The Focus Group Interview and questionnaire were used to measure the perceptions and attitudes about the introduction and utilization of smart education. As a result, most of pre-service early childhood education teachers use smart phones and they use extra two more hours except phone calls. The most frequent usage is text. It is affected to device utilization experience in class, impact on childhood development. FGI results of pre-service early childhood education teachers for the introduction and utilization of smart education were analyzed by 2 subjects, 4 categories, 18 items.

Early Childhood Education Pre-Service Teachers’ Pedagogical Content Knowledge in Teaching Psychosocial Skills Across the Kindergarten Curriculum in Ghana

The study sought to assess Early Childhood Education Pre-service Teachers’ Pedagogical Content Knowledge in Teaching Psychosocial skills across the kindergarten curriculum in Ghana. A mixed method approach was used. The study comprised 123 conveniently selected regular final year preservice teachers pursuing a degree in early childhood education in a public university in Ghana, who have completed their internship programme. Questionnaires were administered after which five students were selected for a focused group discussion. Data were analysed using means, standard deviation and narratives. The study showed that Pre-service teachers had enough knowledge in achieving two goals of the KG curriculum and were also more familiar with the use of fieldtrips and demonstration. They also had enough knowledge in the use of observation and conversation among others. A thorough examination of the KG curriculum by pre-service teachers during pre and post internship was recommended.

The Relationship Between Sense of Happiness and Teacher Efficacy on Pre-Service Teachers in Early Childhood Education

The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between pre-service sense of happiness and teacher efficacy. Futhermore, this study is expected to be used to improve preservice education. For this purpose 132 early childhood education pre-service teachers were surveyed to measure the sense of happiness and teacher efficacy. Data analysis was conducted by SPSS WIN 22.0 Program. So data analysis was conducted by T-test, Anova, Pearson’s spatial correlation, simple regression analysis and internal consistency. The results of this study indicted that the higher than average level of the sense of happiness and teacher efficacy. The difference was significant according to individual characteristics such as volunteer work experence in the sense of happiness and teacher efficacy. They were correlated static as a whole in the sense of happiness and teacher efficacy. The sense of happiness affected the teacher efficacy in early childhood education pre-service teachers.

Exploring Academic Motivation, Academic Self-efficacy and Attitudes toward Teaching in Pre-service Early Childhood Education Teachers

This study is designed to explore academic motivation, academic self-efficacy and attitudes toward teaching in pre-service early childhood education teachers and to investigate the relationships among those variables. Data were gathered through questionnaires administered to 251 pre-service early childhood education teachers. Results indicated that academic motivation was significantly related to academic self efficacy. Although participants had high levels of positive attitudes toward teaching, those attitudes neither related to the academic motivation nor to the academic self efficacy. In addition, regression analyses revealed that academic self-efficacy was the only meaningful predictor of academic motivation.

Outcomes of Community-Based Infant/ Toddler Teacher Preparation: Tiered Supports for Pre-service early Childhood Education Teachers in Early Head Start

This study examined results associated with a field-based undergraduate early childhood teacher education program designed as a response to calls for enhanced field experiences and community-situated teacher education that narrows the preparation-to-practice gap. Specifically, classroom observations were used to assess undergraduates' progress in developmentally appropriate adult-child interaction during a portion of a semester-long professional preparation sequence focused on infants and toddlers offered in an urban Early Head Start program serving low-income children. During the sequence, a model relying on guided apprenticeship with classroom teachers and continuous direct supervision from university faculty was employed. In addition, a tiered model including universal, targeted, and intensive supports was implemented in order to support candidates in identifying and developing specific areas of need. The participants in this study demonstrated greater responsivity and intentional engagement with infants and toddlers as a result of this intensive preparation sequence. Participants who did not show an initial increase in skills responded to targeted and and/or intensive intervention strategies. This model suggests that by refocusing early childhood teacher preparation through a lens of partnership between EHS teachers, university faculty, and early childhood special education (ECSE) teacher candidates, significant gains in developmentally appropriate practice can be achieved even for candidates early in a preparation program.

Supporting Mentors of Preservice Early Childhood Education Teachers: A Literature Review

The rigorous and complex demands of a mentor’s role are often overlooked during the mentorship of preservice teachers. Mentors have the profound responsibility to be both supervisor and instructor all the while fostering a cooperative, trusting, and supportive relationship. However, many mentors feel unprepared to meet the needs of preservice students (Russell & Russell, 2011) and unsupported in the mentoring role (Ambrosetti, 2014). Little work has been done to study the evolution of mentorship skills in professional teachers, specifically as they participate in ongoing support and training for their role as mentors (Pavia, Nissen, Hawkins, Monroe, & Filimon-Demyen, 2003; Sayeski & Paulsen, 2012). Through a thematic review of the literature, this paper advocates for future exploration of mentoring support that fosters the mentor’s construction and development of new knowledge, skills, and understandings about mentoring preservice early childhood teachers.

Pre-service teachers’ perceptions on TPACK development after designing educational games

This qualitative case study aimed to investigate Early Childhood Education (ECE) pre-service teachers’ perception of development in their technological, pedagogical, content knowledge (TPACK) after designing educational computer games for young children. Participants included 21 ECE pre-service teachers enrolled in the course Instructional Technology and Material Design. The data were collected through focus group interviews, observations, and journals. The results indicated a perceived improvement in TPACK. Moreover, participants described initial difficulty designing educational computer games since they had limited technological knowledge (TK), design knowledge (DK), or experience designing educational computer games (TPACK). However, during the game design, specific TPACK was disseminated, and participants reported increased abilities in using technology and designing computer games for educational purposes.