Pre-service Teacher Education Research Articles

Research Thinking for Responsive Teaching: Research Skill Development with In-service and Preservice Educators

The book focuses on responsive teaching, highlighting the importance of adaptability and the effective utilization of resources to meet the needs of diverse learners. In the context of Education 4.0, digital literacy is crucial; however, educators also require clear objectives and a comprehensive understanding of their practices to maintain professional autonomy. The book presents the Research Skills Development (RSD) framework to guide teachers' research thinking across various contexts, including secondary schools in Australia and Canada, as well as pre-service teacher education in Indonesia and the United States.

Backward Design in Pre-Service Teacher Education to Enhance Curriculum Knowledge

This action research aimed to enhance the curriculum knowledge of 37 pre-service teachers in early-childhood education through backward design (BD) as an innovative framework. Participants enrolled in an online curriculum development course focusing on curriculum elements and underwent BD-based instruction for five weeks. Multiple data collection tools were employed, including pre- and post-achievement tests and curriculum literacy scales, digital learning journals, performance tasks, course observations, and interviews. The results showed a significant improvement in the curriculum knowledge of the pre-service teachers. This was evidenced by a notable increase in curriculum literacy scores, a moderate improvement in achievement test scores, and positive performance task outcomes. These findings highlight the effectiveness of BD-based instruction in enhancing the curriculum knowledge of pre-service teachers. This study provides valuable insights for teacher educators to effectively tailor their instructional approaches. Further research is needed to validate these results and advance instructional practices in pre-service teacher education.

Virtual exchange among pre-service teachers of English as foreign language: Literature recommendations for practice

Use of technologies and online presence is now almost inevitable in language learning. The practice of virtual exchanges (VEs) has been receiving a lot of attention among educators at all levels over the past years. This research paper sheds light on 13 VEs carried out in pre-service teacher education in the last six years and proposes its own VE design based on recommendations from the literature with the future perspective of designing a specific VE for the research. The aim of the systematic review was at first to determine the exchange and interaction set-ups and the potential gains in the terms of pre-service teachers’ skills development. Afterwards, we identified areas for improvement and proposed our design of a VE between pre-service teachers of English in Slovakia and Turkey. Some of the expected contributions of the proposed VE design are development of a linguistic and intercultural communicative competence, digital literacy, and other competences relevant for development of VEs.

Exploring global citizenship education for preservice early childhood teachers in South Korea: critical reflections on transformative pedagogy through journal writing

AbstractThis study aims to reveal how the “Global Citizenship Education (GCE) for Preservice Early Childhood Teachers” course offered at a teacher education program in South Korea fosters critical reflection in preservice early childhood teachers. Of the 21 preservice early childhood teachers who registered for this course, 11 agreed to participate in the research. The participants were asked to submit journals after each class, and the researchers analyzed the content of the participants' journals, focusing on the aspects of key concepts, inquiry, and change. Participants’ journal entries reevaluate the notion of child-centered education, critique institutional biases, and offer a clarifying perspective on the limitations of “equality” in achieving happiness for all. Participants also critically analyzed anthropocentric perspectives and behaviors, exploring how their thinking, being, feeling, and acting were shaped. By illuminating the possibility of providing opportunities to encourage GCE and critical reflection, albeit on a small scale, this study is expected to encourage teacher educators to implement GCE for preservice teachers.

Transitioning from lectures to online flipped classrooms: enhancing pre-service teacher education in Luxembourg

Transitioning from lectures to online flipped classrooms: enhancing pre-service teacher education in Luxembourg

Educational practices with gender perspective in science education: perceptions of teacher educators and pre-service teachers

ABSTRACT This study characterizes the perception of gender-sensitive practices among pre-service teachers and teacher educators in science teacher education programs. A 23-item questionnaire was completed by 238 pre-service teachers and 25 teacher educators to identify gender-sensitive practices recognized in their courses and the number of gender equity activities they participated in. No significant differences were found in the perception of gender-sensitive practices based on gender, although males showed higher participation in activities (31.2%). Teacher educators perceived a lower proportion of gender-sensitive practices (41.9%) but engaged more in gender equity activities (61.9% compared to 23.5% for pre-service teachers). A significant positive correlation (0.397) was found between the perception of gender-sensitive practices and activity attendance, while age had a negative correlation (-0.241) with this perception. The findings suggest that the role of being a pre-service teacher or educator is more influential than gender in shaping perceptions. Although participation in the activities positively influences the perception of gender-sensitive practices, the participants of these activities is a consistent group. It is recommended to increase access to gender equity activities, focusing particularly on teacher educators and considering age as a factor to enhance effectiveness.

The Mediating Role of Teacher Efficacy Between Academic Self-Concept and Teacher Identity Among Pre-Service Physical Education Teachers: Is There a Gender Difference?

The aim of this study was to analyse the differentiated role played by academic self-concept on teacher identity, taking into account the mediating role of teacher efficacy and the gender of the pre-service physical-education teachers. In this cross-sectional study, 478 master’s degree students in Secondary Education Teacher Training participated (Mean = 27.09; SD = 6.32; 54.8% male, 44.8% female, 0.4% other). The following scales were used: academic self-concept, teaching identity, and teacher self-efficacy. After finding significant differences in academic effort, a structural equation analysis (SEM) with the multigroup option was conducted to answer the research objective. The results revealed that the women had significantly higher mean academic effort values than the men. In addition, the SEM, which showed excellent fit indices, revealed that, for the men, teacher efficacy acted as a mediating variable between academic confidence and teacher identity. In contrast, for the women, teacher efficacy acted as a mediator between academic effort and teacher identity. However, academic effort also acted as a direct predictor of teacher identity in male pre-service teachers. As a main conclusion, it can be said that the findings highlight the importance of academic self-concept in undertaking the master’s degree by increasing teacher identity through the teaching efficacy of pre-service teacher educators.

Fostering ePCK in pre-service biology teacher education using adaptive scaffolding in a video-based simulation

Fostering ePCK in pre-service biology teacher education using adaptive scaffolding in a video-based simulation

Middle-Level Teacher Development and Identity: A Review of the Literature

Historically, the field of middle-level education has taken it as a given that teachers of young adolescents should be specially prepared to teach in the middle grades, developing a teacher identity that centers around responding to and advocating for the age group above an identity as a subject area teacher. Defined broadly as teachers’ dynamic conceptualizations of themselves as educators and their related roles, decisions, and actions, teacher professional identity has garnered considerable attention in the research literature as a potential source of leverage in multiple dimensions of schooling, preservice teacher education and in-service teachers’ professional learning, and teachers’ professional lives. Teacher identity at the middle level is ideally grounded in a deep commitment to helping young adolescents realize their power and possibilities. While the literature on teacher identity development is well-established in some educational contexts, studies specifically examining the potentially unique developmental trajectory of teacher identity among middle-level educators remain limited. To address this gap, we conducted a review of the literature to address the question: what does the research say about middle-level teacher development and identity? Our review identified 26 relevant sources on middle-level teacher development and identity, published from 2015 through the first half of 2024, and yielded key ideas within three themes: (a) the development of teacher identity, (b) the intersectionality of teacher identity, and (c) critical consciousness, agency, and teacher identity. This review identifies both progress and gaps in the current literature, recognizes potential future directions for research on middle-level teacher identity, and offers possible implications for preservice and in-service middle-level teacher education.

The Impact of ICT on Fostering Creativity in Business Education Pre-service Teachers: A Comprehensive Literature Review

Creativity is a global issue in higher education in the 21st century since it has shifted teaching and learning into learner-centered approaches meant for skills development. Studies show that 21st century skills foster creativity through technology and change how teaching can be approached in higher education. Since the workforce demands that students be able to apply their creativity, higher education must recognize its critical role in helping students get ready for it. Despite the benefits of creativity to students, literature shows that there is a profound gap between the knowledge and skills that students learn in higher education and the knowledge and skills they need in 21st century community and workplaces. Hence, this study explores the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) on fostering creativity in Business Education pre-service teachers as well as suggests the strategies that could assist students to develop creative skills. The study followed the systematic literature review method PRISMA in selecting studies to be included and excluded in the synthesis of the study. The process commenced by identifying the problem and screening studies to include and exclude in the study. Only 30 studies conducted between 2013 and 2023 were screened for inclusion. Based on the literature and the two-tier model of creativity, it was identified that creativity empowers learning through interactive learning tools; can be used for personalized learning; can also be used for global collaboration; and cultivates innovative minds. The paper also suggests strategies that can effectively foster creativity, such as pedagogical training and support, professional development, mentorship programs, resource accessibility, an ICT-infused curriculum, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and technology-enhanced assessment.

Pedagogical content knowledge in physical education preservice teachers in view of researching on lesson studies

PurposeResearching on lesson studies in initial training of physical education (PE) teachers in Portugal, our group is especially interested in the potential of this methodology for developing the pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) of future PE teachers. The purpose of the present text is to synthesize the knowledge relating to this subject.Design/methodology/approachExploratory searches in four multiple search databases were carried out, resulting in 51 records. Information about authors, year of publication, purposes, methodology and results was collected and analyzed.FindingsResults highlight the diversity of purposes. The interview is recurrent in the qualitative studies, while the questionnaire is used in all the large quantitative studies. Regarding the findings, it appears the centrality of PCK, its development potential and its measurability, the consistency of the concept and its evolutionary dynamics, as well as the constructive criticism of initial teacher training models and practices.Originality/valueTo emphasize the relationship between lesson studies and the development of PCK in initial teacher training of PE teachers.

Enhancing Pre-Service Teacher Education: Crafting a Technology-Responsive Curriculum for Modern Classrooms and Adaptive Learners

This study examines the incorporation of technology in pre-service teacher education, specifically emphasising creating a curriculum sensitive to the needs of contemporary classrooms and adaptable learners. The research examines the current literature using a scoping review methodology to find significant patterns, difficulties, and most effective approaches. After conducting an extensive search on various databases, a total of 345 publications were found. Of these, 54 articles that had undergone peer review and were published between 2010 and 2024 were chosen for in-depth examination. The results emphasise the crucial importance of technology in improving teaching and learning methods, underscoring the need for teacher education programmes to integrate digital tools and teaching methods properly. The review highlights several key topics, including the significance of practical training, the necessity for ongoing professional growth, and the influence of institutional support on promoting technology integration. Furthermore, the study emphasises the importance of creating versatile and responsive curricula to cater to learners' varied requirements in modern educational environments. This research offers helpful recommendations for policymakers, educators, and curriculum creators who want to provide future teachers with the necessary skills to succeed in technology-rich learning environments. These recommendations are based on a combination of empirical facts and theoretical ideas. The report asserts that a meticulously organised curriculum incorporating technology is crucial in equipping pre-service teachers with the skills to develop captivating, inclusive, and efficient learning opportunities for all students.

FUTURE ENGLISH TEACHERS’ USE OF SELF-REGULATED LEARNING STRATEGIES IN DEVELOPING LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY

Abstract. One of the key objectives of education evaluation is to increase students’ capability in learning how to learn. For this purpose, teachers need to teach students the required knowledge and effective strategies. Self-regulation plays a major role in learning English in order to achieve setting goals. It is significant to monitor and control the behaviors and motivation in learning process. The purpose of this study was to explore English Language Teaching (ELT) pre-service teachers’ use of self-regulated learning strategies in developing language proficiency. The participants were 70 junior and senior students enrolled at the Foreign Languages Teaching Department of Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University in Turkestan. This study used quantitative descriptive research design. A survey method using questionnaire was used in order to collect necessary data and analyzed descriptively using Statistical Package for Social sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. The result of this study showed that ELT pre-service teachers use different types of self-regulated learning strategies in different situations. To be precise, the record keeping and monitoring strategy was found to be used more often than the strategies, such as rehearsal and memorization, seeking social assistance, goal setting and planning, seeking opportunities to practice English and self-consequences strategies. The study determines the learners who are soon-to-be English language teachers’ perceptions of using different kinds of self-regulation strategies, therefore the results might be useful in teaching English in the language classroom.

Phenomenological exploration of educational mentoring relationships and concerns for 21st century pedagogical praxis in Fitche pre-service primary school college of teacher education, Ethiopia

Purpose: The study explored phenomenological experiences of educational mentoring relationships and concerns for 21st century pedagogical praxis in Fitche pre-service primary school college of teachers’ education. The study answered the central research question “What do the phenomenological experiences of educational mentoring relationships and concerns for 21st century pedagogical praxis in Fitche pre-service primary school teacher education looks like?” Methodology: The study explored the lived experiences of instructors and pre-service teacher candidates regarding mentoring relationships through phenomenological research design. I selected 47 participants using purposive sampling technique based on teaching experience, mentors-mentees’ performance, and academic position. Findings: The data were collected using semi-structured interview, focus group discussion, and researcher’s direct observation. The researcher observed educational relationship experiences between mentors and mentees, and caused vertical and lateral effects on professional development beyond engagements in classrooms. The researcher analyzed textual and contextual data qualitatively in themes. The finding indicated that cognizant to critical realistic approach to education, the study explored mechanisms of re-educating educators towards understanding of lived experiences through contentment, contention, conflict, and conciliation of emotional sates into positive mind-sets. I observed the existing phenomenon in educational mentoring based on inquiry, sharing, encouraging, and caring occurred between mentors and mentees. Educational relationship is stronger between students and grades than mentors and mentees. Implications: Educational mentoring should improve capacity of mentors and mentees’ professional and pedagogical development practices to improve quality of pre-service teacher education.

Models of Science Teacher Identity: The Multiple Representations of Pre-Service Elementary Science Educators

ABSTRACT Experiences in pre-service teacher education can have a lasting effect within the professional life histories of classroom teachers. Investigating the ways in which pre-service elementary teachers (PSETs) represent themselves as science teachers before, during, and after methods course experiences can inform best practices of elementary science teacher pre-service and inservice development as well as further highlight the concerns and objectives of PSETs. Therefore, as a pre-service science teacher educator, I seek to understand the ways in which PSETs represent themselves as future science teachers and the experiences within the methods courses that influence those representations. This study relies on quantitative pre- and post-survey data and qualitative course artifact data completed as part of regular undergraduate course assignments. PSETs representations of self within this study tend to shift from a traditional approach to science teaching toward constructivist, student-centered pedagogical practices and show reduced anxiety toward teaching science and increased science teaching self-efficacy.

Exploring the Multimodal Approach in Pre-Service Chemistry Teacher Education: Perspective from Students and Lecturers

This study aims to investigate the implementation of a multimodal approach in the learning process and the summative tests of pre-service chemistry teacher education. Data were collected through Google Forms using semi-structured questions. Data were compared with analysis handbooks and summative test documents. The results show that most pre-service chemistry teachers have a multimodal learning style. However, the application of the multimodal approach in chemistry courses has not been extensively implemented due to several challenges. For instance, the time required for preparation can be a significant barrier, as creating and organizing multiple modes of communication can be time-consuming. The complexity of creating media is another challenge, as it requires technical skills and resources. Additionally, the characteristics of students who do not support independent learning can hinder the implementation of a multimodal approach. The most commonly used media in applying the multimodal approach are videos and PowerPoint presentations, supplemented by direct explanations from lecturers. Most of the test techniques used by lecturers were in written form, owing to the difficulties in developing multimodal tests. This study implies an urgent need for the development of multimodal test instruments to accommodate differences in students' learning styles.

Re-framing Pacific education, teacher knowledge and practice: innovations from within Aotearoa New Zealand

ABSTRACT In many countries including Aotearoa New Zealand, rapidly changing population demographics have led to increasing cultural diversity in classrooms. Developing equitable outcomes for diverse learners including those from indigenous and migrant heritage requires educators to both respect cultural diversity and enact intercultural understanding and capability. This has implications for both pre-service and in-service teacher education and more broadly educational policy. In this article, we draw on examples from New Zealand of shifts in Pacific education policy and practice related to teacher education. We track policy development over the past three decades that originated from concerns about inequity for Pacific students in schooling to more recent policy initiatives that engage deeply with Pacific learners, families, and communities. We illustrate the shifts in educational policy and teacher education by using three cases of the Pacific led initiatives to exemplify the reframing of Pacific education, teacher knowledge, and practice, by listening to and privileging the voices of Pacific people. We argue that to address equitable education for diverse student communities, teacher education needs explicitly to recognise and acknowledge structural inequities and racism inherent in education systems while providing opportunities for reflection and deep learning about differing knowledge systems and ways of being.

Reflective teaching in Ethiopian secondary schools: examining teachers’ characteristics and engagement

ABSTRACT This quantitative study surveyed 361 secondary school teachers in South and Central Ethiopia to examine their engagement in reflective teaching and its relationship with gender, qualification, and teaching experience. The study used descriptive survey design and structured questionnaire to collect data. Results indicated that teachers had minimal overall engagement in reflective teaching. Results also showed insignificant difference between male and female teachers’ engagement in reflective teaching. However, there were significant differences in teachers’ engagement in terms of their qualification and teaching experience. In this regard, teachers with Bachelor of Education had the highest level of engagement, followed by Master’s and Applied degree holders. In addition, mid-career teachers had the highest level of engagement, exceeding the level both novice and veteran teachers had. The findings suggest the need to revisit existing pre-service teacher education programme, identify teachers’ engagement patterns, identify their specific needs, design and run tailored in-service professional development programmes, and establish support system to promote reflective teaching in Ethiopian secondary schools. Most importantly, the findings suggest the need for teachers to actually engage in reflective teaching in their professional contexts.

Towards embedded academic language development in a teacher education programme

ABSTRACT This study explored contextual factors of student teachers’ weak academic language (AL) performance in a pre-service teacher education programme at a university in Namibia. The aim was to capture their experience in the BEd programme in which English as a second language is the medium of instruction. In interviews with the students (n = 15) and their lecturers (n = 6), as well as analyses of curriculum- and policy documents and students’ writing artefacts, it was evident that the students did not have enough opportunity to practice AL skills, which were introduced in the English for academic purposes (EAP) course and in subsequent courses. Data from interviews, documents and students’ written artefacts showed that the AL interventions had not been integrated across the curriculum. The main suggestion emanating from the study is that programme designers should embed AL across the diciplines in disciplines, with academic staff and the writing centre colleagues working together.

Applying Mentored Blended Learning With Mooc To Improve Preservice Teacher's Teaching Skill and Self-Efficacy

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of the Mentored Blended Learning with MOOC (MBM) model in enhancing the teaching skills and self-efficacy of preservice teachers prior to their internships. By implementing this model, the study aims to provide insights into how a structured combination of mentorship, blended learning, and MOOCs can improve practical teaching competencies and confidence in preservice teachers, thereby informing future approaches in teacher education training programs. Theoretical reference: This study uses constructivist, social learning, self-efficacy, and blended learning models to enhance preservice teachers' teaching skills and self-efficacy, focusing on active learning, self-efficacy, and authentic contexts. Method and material: The study used a mixed-methods approach, involving 120 preservice teachers, 5 preschool teachers, and 5 experts. The MBM model was developed through focus group discussions and evaluated by experts. The experimental group received training through the MBM model, while the control group followed the traditional curriculum. Results and Conclusion: The study found that the Mentored Blended Learning with MOOC (MBM) model significantly improved the teaching skills and self-efficacy of preservice teachers compared to the control group. This suggests the MBM model's potential for improving teacher education by combining mentorship, blended learning, and MOOCs.