Pre-service Language Teachers Research Articles

Correction to: The role of 21-century digital competence in shaping pre-service language teachers’ 21-century digital skills: the Partial Least Square Modeling Approach (PLS-SEM)

Correction to: The role of 21-century digital competence in shaping pre-service language teachers’ 21-century digital skills: the Partial Least Square Modeling Approach (PLS-SEM)

Pre-Service English as a Foreign Language Teachers’ Perceptions of Task Based Language Teaching for Higher Education Programs in Mexico: Methodology of a Case Study

Pre-Service English as a Foreign Language Teachers’ Perceptions of Task Based Language Teaching for Higher Education Programs in Mexico: Methodology of a Case Study

A Future of Hope and Dread: How K-12 Pre-service Language Teachers are Situating Their Identities within Modern Japanese Value and Belief Systems

A Future of Hope and Dread: How K-12 Pre-service Language Teachers are Situating Their Identities within Modern Japanese Value and Belief Systems

Exploring novel approaches to digital self-regulated learning: a study on the use of mobile applications among Polish and Turkish EFL pre-service teachers

AbstractThis study explores the digital self-regulatory practices of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) pre-service teachers via mobile applications in the post-pandemic era. The research is motivated by the need to address the absence of literature on the self-regulatory learning behaviours of EFL pre-service teachers in the aftermath of the pandemic-induced shift to online learning. The study participants were Polish and Turkish EFL students aged between 19 and 23, enrolled at state universities in Poland and Turkey. A validated online survey tool was developed and utilised for data collection based on the piloting phase of the study. The survey employed a combination of multiple-choice and 5-point Likert scale questions to examine participants’ interaction with different types of self-regulated applications after the pandemic. The findings revealed that Duolingo was the most widely used application. This underscored the importance of listening as the most frequently used language skill. The study also revealed a shift in learning patterns among participants following the pandemic as evidenced by the technologies available. Overall, the main findings of this study may serve as significant impetus for further research on pandemic-related changes in digital self-regulated learning practices among EFL learners globally. The results of the study might find broad implications for example for development of a new generation of MOOCs responding various needs of learners as well as incorporating elements of self-regulation into the traditional EFL class to increase its efficiency.

Structural Analysis of Pedagogic Mediation in a Foreign Language Classroom

Cultural diffusion and a paradigm shift from a “skill-based” approach to an “action-oriented” approach in language pedagogy transform the functions of an educator in a foreign language classroom. A language instructor accepts an intermediatory role in learners’ interactions with the environment, using language as a primary mediation tool. Thus, by being involved in varied social contexts and activities, a language educator mediates learning, communication, and sociocultural environments. This study relies on a structural analysis to investigate the mediating role of a language educator. It suggests that pedagogic mediation should be viewed as a specific form of language educators’ activity and described through three dimensions: mediating learning, mediating communication, and mediating sociocultural space. In the teaching and learning context, these dimensions manifest themselves as skills to adapt to the instructional and linguistic complexity of texts, manage interaction, facilitate communication in sensitive situations, etc. Drawing upon a phenomenological research design and qualitative methods, the study develops illustrative descriptors that can be used in a foreign language classroom to assess the patterns of social, instructional, and communicative behavior of educators. The developed descriptors allowed for exploring the self-perceptions of pre-service language teachers towards their abilities for pedagogic mediation in a foreign language classroom. The results of the study identified the learning gaps among novice language teachers that can be further addressed as learning objectives while designing a curriculum for professional training in language education.

Relocating assessment in pre-service teacher education: an emerging model from activity theory lens

ABSTRACT This empirical study aims to understand the assessment pedagogies used to support pre-service teachers’ assessment development in the post-pandemic. The study involved sixty 4th year English language pre-service teachers, and data were collected from interviews, practicum observation notes, field visit notes, and reflection papers. The study aimed to identify research-based pedagogical constructs that effectively contributed to pre-service teachers’ learning and practice of assessment in the practicum. Using an activity theory lens, the study developed a model that could be used in pre-service teacher assessment education across different contexts. The paper concludes by suggesting research and practice-oriented implementations for pre-service teacher education based on the identified pedagogical constructs. Also, it has important implications for developing effective assessment education for pre-service teachers, which can contribute to better student learning outcomes in the future.

DIGITAL LITERACY COMPETENCE OF PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS: EXAMINING THEIR READINESS TO USE TECHNOLOGY

This paper examines pre-service language teachers' digital proficiency and readiness in light of the changing needs of the twenty-first-century educational environment. In light of the evolving roles of educators and the critical role, that technology plays in empowering students. This study explores pre-service teachers' perceptions of and integration of digital literacy into their instructional strategies. The study used a phenomenological case study methodology, collecting data from 23 pre-service English instructors at IAIN Langsa through semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. The study shows participants' varied degrees of digital proficiency, which focuses on core ICT abilities. The results show a disconnect between theoretical understanding and real-world implementation in educational settings, even if many people have good attitudes toward digital literacy. To address the digital age problems, the essay highlights the value of teacher education programs in closing this gap and the necessity for pre-service teachers to gain pedagogical and technological experiences. The study's conclusions point to the need for more investigation to determine how digital literacy is used in classroom settings and to improve the digital readiness of aspiring teachers.

A Q methodological study into pre-service Chinese as a foreign language (CFL) teachers’ mindsets about teaching competencies

Abstract A teacher’s mindset significantly affects their engagement, development, teaching quality, and well-being. This is crucial for pre-service teachers acquiring competencies for effective teaching. While research often focuses on English language teaching in Western contexts, little explores non-Western language teaching mindsets. Given the intersections of associated social, cultural, and linguistic variables with mindset, this study investigates Chinese as a foreign language (CFL) pre-service teachers’ mindsets on teaching competencies. The study utilized Q methodology, which is a philosophical and conceptual framework for examining subjectivity, and post-sort questionnaires with 39 pre-service teachers in China. The research findings provide important insights into the diverse and contradictory mindsets of pre-service CFL teachers, and the ideologies influencing beliefs as to what constitutes effective language teaching in the Chinese socio-cultural and socio-political context, providing insights into how teacher training programs need to be tailored to challenge and extend the complex mindsets held by pre-service language teachers.

Teaching preservice teachers to do research: an action research study

Abstract This action research (AR) study explored how research instruction was integrated in a sociolinguistics course for preservice language teachers at a US university. Data collected from two research cycles included surveys, student work, students’ free-writing, teacher journals, and student interviews. This article focuses on how AR informed the course structure and what preservice teachers gained. Findings suggested that research instruction positively influenced how teacher trainees thought about, felt about, and pursued research (cognitive, affective, and behavioral changes). They also reported gains in knowledge and skills that could be useful for their future career and/or studies. Implications from this study can inform other educators who strive to develop students’ research skills in a non-research focused class.

Video-mediated collaborative lesson planning in virtual exchange among transnational teams of pre-service language teachers

Abstract Virtual exchange (VE) projects in pre-service language teacher education are increasingly being recognized as an innovative practice due to their affordances for providing teacher learning opportunities in technology-rich environments. This study aims to report these opportunities based on results from a VE project consisting of diverse teacher education activities, including lectures, webinars, asynchronous tasks, and synchronous video-mediated interactions. This project provides a medium for pre-service teachers to collaboratively design a lesson to be implemented in hybrid language learning environments. We specifically deal with the video-mediated interactions of the transnational groups of pre-service language teachers using multimodal conversation analysis (CA) as the research methodology and investigate VE phases to explore how their interactions become consequential for the final pedagogical design. The findings show that the pre-service teachers retrospectively orient to shared practices in the earlier phases of the VE project, and the deployment of retrospective orientation as an interactional resource creates interactional space for collaborative decision-making related to their pedagogical designs. We argue that tracking the video-mediated pedagogical interactions of the pre-service teachers using CA is a methodological innovation that allows researchers to collect interactional evidence for the emergent teacher learning opportunities. The findings bring new insights to the role of the technology-mediated settings (e.g. VEs and telecollaboration) in language learning, teaching, and teacher education and in bridging different cultures, curricula, and physical spaces.

Pre-service language teachers’ grading literacy: perceptions of grading in three university programs in Finland and Sweden

Pre-service language teachers’ grading literacy: perceptions of grading in three university programs in Finland and Sweden

The influence of ChatGPT on thinking skills and creativity of EFL student teachers: a narrative inquiry

ABSTRACT There is an urgent need in the educational community to explore the potential impact of advanced language models powered by artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT, on thinking skills and creativity. These models hold significant promise for enhancing teaching and learning, but it is crucial to investigate their potential effects on these critical areas of cognitive development. This study employs a narrative inquiry approach, utilising weekly written narratives and qualitative interviews for analysis, to explore and understand student teachers’ experiences, perceptions, and reflections on using ChatGPT in their teaching practices. Exploring the experiences and perspectives of 12 English student teachers, this research scrutinises the influence of ChatGPT on the development of thinking skills and creativity during the practicum part of a teacher education programme. Through narratives and interviews the study uncovers the benefits, challenges, and strategies for optimising the use of ChatGPT in pre-service language teacher education. Key findings reveal the importance of human-computer co-creation, engaging in critical analysis, and fostering collaboration to maximise the educational benefits of ChatGPT. These insights contribute to the ongoing discourse on the effective integration of AI in teacher education and offer practical recommendations for educators and students navigating the complex interplay between AI tools and independent thinking.

Bridging domains: examining the effects of relevance instructions and guiding questions on pre-service teachers’ first- and second-order knowledge integration

The conceptualization of pre-service teachers’ knowledge integration typically involves the distinction of two types: first-order knowledge integration, which includes merging domain-specific knowledge entities into a common knowledge base, and second-order knowledge integration, which refers to the integrated (simultaneous) application of knowledge from diverse domains. This study investigates the effect of instructional prompts in the form of (a) relevance instructions and (b) guiding questions on promoting pre-service teachers’ first-order knowledge integration in a reading- and writing-based learning setting with three domain-specific study texts: one text each referring to content knowledge (CK), general pedagogical knowledge (PK), or pedagogical-content knowledge (PCK). Furthermore, the study explores whether pre-service teachers’ second-order knowledge integration depends on the degree to which they engaged in first-order knowledge integration when reading and writing about different domain-specific learning contents. The study applied a three parallel group experimental design. An analysis of essays written by N = 83 German language pre-service teachers indicated positive effects of both prompts on first-order knowledge integration. Moreover, a mediation analysis showed that pre-service teachers’ second-order knowledge integration is mediated by their first-order knowledge integration. The results are discussed and integrated into the existing body of research, practical implications are presented, and limitations of the study are explained.

Enhancing pre-service teachers’ projective agency for diverse and multilingual classrooms through a course on curriculum development

ABSTRACT Framed in teacher research, this article examines on how a group of 220 preservice language teachers’ understandings of teacher agency evolved in a course on second language teaching curriculum. The participants were enrolled on a master’s program on teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL), and data were gathered through course activities which included two surveys, reflective blogs, and an essay. Based on inferential statistics and qualitative content analysis, findings show that, with different degrees of confidence, the student-teachers believe that their projective (future) agency was harnessed through the course developing (1) willingness to use teacher agency as a tool for professional development and (2) willingness to use teacher agency as a drive to engage in critical teaching practices for multilingual settings. Drawing on a trans-perspective of language teacher agency, the study advances a model of projective teacher agency.

Examining the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) of Turkish Preservice English as a Foreign Language Teachers

The current quantitative research uses the survey technique to examine English as a foreign language (EFL) preservice teachers’ technological pedagogical and content knowledge (TPACK) proficiency levels. Participants were 129 preservice EFL teachers from a Turkish state university. There is evidence that English Language Teaching student teachers believe they possess technological knowledge most among the other knowledge domains, and third-grade EFL student teachers seem to have a higher level of proficiency in TPACK than fourth graders, and female EFL student teachers appear to be more proficient in TPACK than male student teachers. Some recommendations followed the research findings.

Beliefs on Second Language Learning among Pre-service Teachers in a Public University in Malaysia

The purpose of this research was to identify the Teaching of English as a Second Language (TESL) pre-service teachers’ beliefs about second language (L2) learning, to determine whether there is a significant difference in beliefs among the TESL pre-service teachers of different years of study and how these beliefs were formed. These are important as the pre-service teachers’ beliefs would have a direct influence on their practices as a teacher in future. This research was conducted with a sample size of 113 respondents using a mixed method design. Data collection is using the Belief About Language Learning Inventory, often known as BALLI approach to ensure a comprehensive understanding of individuals' beliefs. In addition, data was gathered using semi-structured interviews thus, guaranteeing a more in-depth understanding of the participants' experiences and beliefs. Descriptive statistics showed that the highest mean score was recorded for the “motivation and expectations” dimensions. The ANOVA results showed statistically significant difference in the mean scores amongst the different years of study. Interview results indicated that beliefs were dominantly influenced by social support and exposure to the L2, and intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Results of the study could inform course developers and lecturers as to which aspects of language learning and pedagogical knowledge need to be focused on in the pre-service teachers’ curriculum.

Öz Düzenlemeli Strateji Gelişimi Öğretim Modelinin Türkçe Öğretmeni Adaylarının Hikâye Edici Metinleri Özetleme Becerilerine Etkisi

Bu araştırmanın temel amacı, Öz Düzenlemeli Strateji Gelişimi öğretim modeliyle Türkçe öğretmeni adaylarına verilen özetleme stratejileri öğretiminin, öğretmen adaylarının hikâye edici metinleri özetleme becerilerine etkisini incelemektir. Nicel bir araştırma olan çalışmada ön test-son test kontrol gruplu desenden yararlanılmıştır. Araştırmanın çalışma grubunu 2020-2021 eğitim-öğretim yılı bahar döneminde Gazi Üniversitesi Gazi Eğitim Fakültesi Türkçe Eğitimi Ana Bilim Dalı üçüncü sınıfta öğrenim gören 48 öğretmen adayı oluşturmuştur. Araştırma; deney grubunda 24, kontrol grubunda 24 öğrenci olmak üzere toplam 48 katılımcıyla yürütülmüştür. Eğitim süreci boyunca deney grubunda yer alan öğretmen adaylarına Öz Düzenlemeli Strateji Gelişimi öğretim modeliyle özetleme stratejileri öğretimi yapılırken kontrol grubundaki öğretmen adaylarına yönelik herhangi bir uygulama gerçekleştirilmemiştir. Uygulama 8 hafta, 16 ders sürmüştür. Deney ve kontrol grubunda yer alan öğretmen adaylarının özetleme stratejilerini kullanma becerilerini ölçen ön test ve son testler, dereceli puanlama anahtarı ile değerlendirilmiştir. Araştırmada elde edilen veriler Bağımsız Gruplar t-Testi, Mann-Whitney U Testi ve Wilcoxon İşaretli Sıralar Testi ile analiz edilmiştir. Araştırma sonucunda Öz Düzenlemeli Strateji Gelişimi öğretim modeliyle özetleme stratejileri öğretiminin, öğretmen adaylarının hikâye edici metinleri özetleme becerilerini geliştirdiği sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.

Pre-service Teachers’ Experiences in Handling Reticent Students During Teaching Practicum: Challenges and Strategies

This study looked at the experience of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) pre-service teachers handling reticent students during their teaching practicum. Reticent students are characterized by reluctance or hesitance to participate or engage in classroom discussions and activities actively. Teaching practicum is a hands-on educational experience that allows pre-service teachers to apply classroom theories and teaching strategies in real-world settings, fostering their professional growth under the guidance of experienced educators. Previous studies have explored teacher perceptions and strategies for addressing student reticence, but less attention has been given to pre-service teachers' experiences. The study employs a qualitative research design, conducting semi-structured interviews with five pre-service teachers who have completed their teaching practicum. The interviews explore the participants' experience focusing on the challenges and strategies in handling reticent students. The findings revealed common challenges faced by the participants and the strategies employed to handle reticent students. Based on the findings, recommendations are made for teacher education programs and mentor teachers to better prepare pre-service teachers in handling reticent students. Finally, the study implied some limitations and provided recommendations for future research.

Early Teacher Identity and Personality: Exploring the Links Through a Mixed Method Approach

This study investigated the relationship between self-perceived personality and self-perceived teacher identity (TI). With a mixed-method approach, we collected both quantitative (N=214) and qualitative data (N=30) to examine the relationship between TI and personality traits. Quantitative data were collected using the Big Five Personality Traits and TI scales. Qualitative data were collected through focus group interviews. To analyze the quantitative data, means were compared, and correlations were calculated. Qualitative data were analyzed through an inductive content analysis in which patterns and themes were identified. The results indicate that pre-service language teachers are aware of the dynamic feature of personality in general terms; however, they are not aware of TI as a concept and its attributes. A significant relationship between self-perceived TI and self-perceived personality traits is among the results of the current study. The agreeableness and openness to new experiences personality traits are highly correlated with the TI scores.

Let’s Get Digital: ICT Training Needs in Pre-Service Language Teaching

During the last five years, language teaching in Europe has been heavily influenced by two major occurrences. On the one hand, the outbreak of COVID-19 forced teachers to extensively adapt many of their teaching practices to the digital world; this major paradigm shift is likely to have continued repercussions post-pandemic in terms of methodology and use of resources. At the same time, the publication of an updated version of the Common European Framework, commonly known as the Companion Volume focuses our attention on the real-life communicative needs of language users. The Companion Volume emphasizes digital and online communication processes throughout the development of language skills, and this focus inevitably translates into changes in national and regional curricula for language education. The present study investigates the degree to which future teachers are prepared for this new reality and explores emerging digital training needs among pre-service teachers. The investigation obtains quantitative and qualitative data from 30 pre-service teachers who have completed postgraduate studies in language education, which included a stage of school-based teaching practice. Results indicate that while pre-service language teachers have a positive view of ICT and moderate levels of general digital competence, they feel additional specific and in-depth preparation is required within their initial training.