Preservice Elementary Teachers Research Articles

Preparing Elementary Preservice Teachers for Antiracist Mathematics Teaching

I describe a unit on antiracist mathematics teaching I developed and implemented in an elementary mathematics methods course. It may serve as an example to other mathematics teacher educators on how to incorporate antiracist mathematics teaching in their courses. I report on the unit's components, its impact on the preservice teachers in my course, my reflections about the unit (including possible modifications), and implications for other mathematics teacher educators.

온라인 과학 교수학습에 대한 초등 예비교사들의 자기효능감 탐색

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the self-efficacy of elementary pre-service teachers regarding online science instruction. Methods: A survey was conducted with 89 elementary pre-service teachers enrolled at Education University A, located in a non-metropolitan area. Among them, 3 participants agreed to additional interviews. Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted for each item, t-test were performed based on gender and major, and qualitative text (keywords) analysis was conducted for open-ended items. Interviews were conducted to elicit responses for open-ended items and were interpreted inductively through keyword analysis. The survey items were measured on a Likert scale for 8 subcategories, and one open-ended item allowed participants to freely describe their thoughts. Results: The results interpreted that elementary pre-service teachers have relatively low self-efficacy regarding online science instruction. There were no significant differences based on gender, but there were statistically significant differences in some items based on major. Ultimately, this suggests that different approaches may be needed for online science instruction based on pre-service teachers' backgrounds. This study can be interpreted as an indicator of pre-service teachers' perceptions and readiness for online science instruction before entering the school field. Conclusion: It emphasizes the importance of specific instructional methods and strategies for online science instruction and proposes the need for practical education.

초등학생들의 과학 흥미 증진을 위한 초등 예비교사들의 자기효능감 탐색

Purpose: This research aimed to examine the self-efficacy of pre-service elementary teachers in fostering an interest in science among elementary students. Methods: A cohort of eighty-nine pre-service teachers from A University of Education participated in this survey, with six consenting to additional non-face-to-face interviews. Results: Analytical results from item-specific descriptive statistics revealed that these pre-service teachers exhibit low levels of self-efficacy in stimulating scientific curiosity among students. t-tests, segmented by gender and academic background, indicated no significant gender disparity; however, marked differences were observed across all ‘belief’ and ‘competence’ items when comparing academic backgrounds. Open-ended question analysis highlighted a perceived lack of preparedness among preservice teachers across the multifaceted dimensions of competence, belief, and educational diversification in science interest enhancement. Nonetheless, they recognized the importance of engaging students in science-related activities, lesson enhancement, school administrative support, utilization of community science museums, development of varied science-related programs, and educationally contextual approaches involving digital literacy and new technologies. Conclusion: This study suggests that exploring the self-efficacy of pre-service elementary teachers in augmenting interest in science among students may serve as a foundational step towards understanding the current decline in student interest in science and foreseeing the potential impact of future elementary teachers on student science engagement.

Preservice Elementary Teachers and Future Civic Teaching

In order to strengthen civic education in elementary schools, research is needed to understand preservice teachers’ ideas about civic teaching. The current study examined the degree to which elementary preservice teachers’ civic competencies (i.e., civic awareness, dispositions, and interpersonal skills) and the grades they plan to teach are associated with expected future civic teaching. Survey data were collected from 235 undergraduate students majoring in early childhood or elementary education. Results from hierarchical multiple regression showed that greater civic awareness and lower levels of trust in the American promise were associated with expected future teaching about politics, while greater civic awareness, stronger commitment to social issues, and better interpersonal skills were associated with expected future teaching about community engagement. Additionally, those who plan to teach the upper elementary grades (third–fifth) were more likely to report that they will teach about politics and community engagement in their future classrooms when compared to those who plan to teach younger grades (PreK–second). Practical implications for preservice teacher preparation are discussed.

Examining Elementary Preservice Teachers’ Beliefs About Literacy Instruction

ABSTRACT This study used semi-structured focus group interviews to examine specific literacy beliefs of 21 elementary pre-service teachers (PSTs) from five teacher education programs across the eastern, southern, and central parts of the USA. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed for statements about literacy beliefs. Each belief statement was also tagged as being positive (+), negative (-), or equal (=) to further identify the nuanced ways in which PSTs expressed each belief. Compared to findings in the field, this study (1) provides clearer explanations and categories of PSTs’ literacy beliefs, (2) captures nuanced understanding of PSTs’ literacy beliefs by examining their affective connotations, and (3) provides an emic perspective from PSTs across contexts. In doing so, the results expand on previous frameworks of literacy beliefs. Further, beliefs related to Teacher Strategy, Engagement, and Literacy Approach were discussed the most by PSTs. Literacy beliefs shared less frequently included beliefs about Culturally Responsive Teaching, and some Literacy Components (LC), such as, LC-Spelling, LC-Emergent Literacy, and LC-Fluency. Of the top three literacy beliefs shared by PSTs, references about Engagement were the most positive. The study suggests implications for literacy teacher educators.

Developing preservice elementary teachers’ self-efficacy toward teaching science

ABSTRACT Having a negative attitude toward science plays a major factor in elementary teachers avoiding teaching science in elementary school. This mixed methods study examined changes in pre-service elementary teachers’ (PSETs) attitudes toward teaching science. PSETs (n=59) engaged in a semester-long university course in the Southeastern United States. The course focused on demonstrating and applying knowledge of scientific concepts and inquiry-based teaching. PSETs took a Dimension of Attitudes toward Science (DAS) questionnaire before and after the course. Six of the PSETs were interviewed in a focus group and asked how the course impacted their attitudes toward science. Data were analysed quantitatively through frequency of responses and mean values. Qualitative analysis was done through concurrent triangulation design analysis of focus group interviews and survey responses. Results show that PSETs had more positive attitudes toward science in feelings attached to teaching science and their confidence in teaching science. Follow-up focus group interviews indicated that some of the PSETs highlighted verbal persuasion, the Cognitive Pedagogical Mastery (CPM) experience of engaging in hands-on activities, and the Cognitive Content Mastery (CCM) experience of using learning technologies as factors in positive changes in self-efficacy and feelings toward teaching science. Implications for PSETs methods courses are discussed .

Classroom Learning Environment and Action Research in a Science Methods Course for Preservice Elementary Teachers

ABSTRACT This study examined the impact of action research conducted by five science teaching methods course instructors on their students’ perceptions of the classroom learning environments at a large public university in Texas. The study analyzed the results from 133 students who completed two administrations of the What is Happening in this Class (WIHIC) questionnaire, one at the beginning of the semester and one at the end of the semester. Five sections served as a treatment group while two sections served as a control. Quantitative analyses, including one-way ANOVA, were conducted for each class section. Results showed that the perceived learning environment increased between the beginning of the semester and the end of the semester for all sections. However, the most significant gains in students’ perceptions were made in the treatment sections and were attributed to the action research interventions that were designed and implemented by the instructors based on the analyses of the first WIHIC administration.

Exploring elementary preservice teachers’ responsive teaching in mathematics through an artificial intelligence-based Chatbot

We aimed to investigate the responsive teaching practice of preservice teachers (PSTs) using an artificial intelligence-based chatbot designed to serve the dual roles of a virtual student and a virtual mentor. We identified four unique profiles of PST's questioning patterns using latent profile analysis. We examined the changes in PSTs' questioning patterns after receiving feedback from a virtual mentor and investigated the differences in their self-assessments regarding interaction effectiveness by profile. PSTs' tendency to adjust their questions varied. There was no statistical difference in the effectiveness of interactions among profiles. We include theoretical and empirical implications for teacher education.

Metacognitive Awareness as a Predictor of Mathematical Modeling Competency Among Preservice Elementary Teachers

<p style="margin-left:28px; text-align:justify">Mathematical modeling offers a promising approach to improving mathematics education. This study aims to determine if the concept of metacognitive awareness in the learning process is associated with mathematical modeling. This study also considers the interaction effect of sex and academic year level on both variables. Focusing the study on preservice elementary teachers might address potential issues and targeted intervention in their preparation program concerning their ability to teach and guide young learners in modeling activities. The research sample includes 140 preservice elementary teachers at Central Luzon State University, Philippines. Data collection used an adapted metacognitive awareness inventory and a validated researcher-made mathematical modeling competency test aligned with the K-12 mathematics curriculum in the Philippines. Results revealed that the preservice elementary teachers had a high metacognitive awareness and mathematical modeling competency, ranging from 22 to 31 out of 36 points. Besides, Factorial ANOVA indicates that academic year level positively affects both variables regardless of sex, and stepwise regression analysis unveiled that information management, declarative knowledge, and planning significantly predict 41.4% of the mathematical modeling competency variance. This suggests that developing metacognitive awareness supports preservice elementary teachers in performing modeling tasks that improve their competency level in mathematics.</p>

Tips for Organizing a Dyslexia Simulation Workshop for Pre-Service Teachers

The impact of dyslexia on literacy has gained much attention in recent years, resulting in the need for additional training for teachers at all levels of the educational system. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to provide tips on how to organize a dyslexia simulation. Authors recount their experiences building a team, identifying participants, selecting a simulation, planning, organizing, setting up, and implementing a dyslexia simulation workshop for pre-service elementary and special education teachers. Initial expectations, challenges, and successes are highlighted. Final reflections, lessons learned, tips, and resources (Table 3) are shared. Overall, the facilitators and participants found the experience beneficial.

Exploring a practice‐based approach to elementary preservice science teacher preparation

AbstractThe science methods course model presented here, called an immersed methods course (IMC), engaged preservice elementary teachers in reform‐based science instructional approaches within authentic classroom settings and with elementary students in a guided format. Questions guiding the study were: (1) Did participation in the IMC model impact preservice teachers (PTs') science teaching self‐efficacy? (2) Which science methods course model activities/experiences did PTs identify as the most impactful on their science teaching? (3) How did participation in the IMC model impact PTs' understandings of science teaching? Participants were 138 elementary PTs from a Southeastern United States university. Data were collected from seven course sections over 3 years and included pre/post science teaching self‐efficacy survey data, post written responses, and interviews. Member checking approaches were also used to refine and establish the validity of findings. Researchers completed qualitative data analysis, which was complimented by quantitative statistical analysis. Findings across data sources suggest participation positively influenced PTs' science teaching self‐efficacy and beliefs about the effectiveness of the instructional approaches. Participation also helped PTs apply theories to practice and develop competency using the practices. Findings highlight how the IMC model mitigates constraints associated with current science teacher preparation approaches.

Characterizing engagement in the science practices: A study of preservice elementary teachers

AbstractPreservice elementary teachers enter their science methods courses with a range of prior experience with science practice. Those prior experiences likely inform much of their science pedagogy and goals. In this study, the authors examine how a cohort of preservice elementary teachers engaged in science practice as they learned content in a physics course. Drawing on course documents, videorecords, and artifacts from in‐class lab work and interviews with nine participants, the authors used an asset‐based, mixed methods approach. The authors developed rubrics to assess the level of sophistication the participants used while engaging in science practice on a scale of 1 (pre‐novice) to 4 (experienced). They used descriptive statistics and ANOVA's to interpret the performance of the participants in addition to grounded theory open coding of interviews to determine the participants' level of prior experience with science practice. The findings suggest that these preservice teachers primarily engaged in science practices at a novice level. In general, their sophistication scores on the rubric aligned with their prior experience. The findings suggest that while one content course steeped in science practice was not enough to significantly change preservice teachers' engagement, it can provide a needed starting place and that it likely takes time to develop these skills. The findings have implications for both teacher educators and researchers who hope to increase the use of science practice as a method of learning science content.

Research Experiences for Undergraduates Through Extracurricular Practitioner Inquiry: Exploring the Experiences of Preservice Elementary Teachers

ABSTRACT Bridging the theory-practice gap remains a challenge in preparing preservice elementary teachers for science teaching. Research experiences for undergraduates (REU) offer a potential way to help preservice elementary teachers (PSTs) come to value and implement research-based science teaching. REUs come in many forms but often take the form of either extracurricular research with a practicing scientist. Alternatively, practitioner inquiries are often used as part of a teacher preparation course or practicum but often are limited in time and scope. In this study, we report on a novel approach to an REU that combined the features of a traditional REU and practitioner inquiry, which we refer to as Extracurricular Practitioner Inquiry (EPI). PSTs collaboratively developed, tested, and prepared curricular units for publication as part of an extracurricular, funded project. A mixed-methods approach, including nonrandom matched pairs and semi-structured interviews, was used to investigate the impact of the EPI experience on PSTs’ knowledge and beliefs about science teaching. As a result of their participation in the novel EPI, when compared with a control group, the PST participants developed beliefs more consistent with research-based science teaching. Support from collaborators, shifts in self-perception, and improved understanding of the research-practice relationship seem to have mediated changes in the PSTs’ knowledge and beliefs about science teaching.

Preparing Early Elementary Preservice Teachers to Positively Support Students with Challenging Behavior

This article describes the significance of equipping preservice teachers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively approach behavioral challenges with early elementary students (i.e., kindergarten to third grade). Early elementary years are crucial for a child’s academic and social development, and students who exhibit challenging behaviors early often face academic struggles and potential long-term negative effects. When educators are prepared to effectively manage challenging behaviors, they provide students with the support needed to succeed. This article also highlights the need for teacher preparation programs to include coursework and practical training emphasizing evidence-based practices in behavior management, effective communication, and behavioral supports. By doing so, teachers can create inclusive and supportive classrooms, reduce disruptive, unexpected behaviors, and improve students’ overall well-being by intervening early and providing a foundation for positive behaviors in school. Early intervention and skill development in K-3 preservice teachers can lead to better academic outcomes, enhanced classroom dynamics, and a brighter future for students with challenging behavior. The authors share recommendations for classroom activities, learning materials, and applications for teacher educators.

Analyzing the Needs of Pre-service Teacher Education Students for Flipbook Learning Resources: Enhancing Understanding and Engagement with Educational Materials

In today's rapidly advancing landscape of information and communication technology, the adoption of technology-based learning tools such as Flipbooks is increasingly essential for optimizing educational experiences. Commonly known as flipping books, Flipbooks offer a dynamic way to engage with learning materials. This study investigates the specific needs of pre-service elementary school teacher education students (batch 2) from the Faculty of Literature and Education at Sriwijaya University regarding the use of Flipbook learning resources. The focus is on how these resources can enhance students' understanding of course content and improve interaction with educational materials. Employing qualitative research methods, including interviews and questionnaires, the study involved 36 participants. Findings indicate a substantial demand, with 94% of the respondents expressing a need for Flipbook-based teaching modules that cater to courses on student understanding and learning materials. These results underscore the potential benefits of integrating digital learning resources in teacher education, aiming to meet student needs effectively and enhance educational outcomes.

Unlocking Critical Thinking: The LCI Learning Model for Pre-Service Elementary School Teacher

This study explores the effectiveness of the Learning Cycle-Inquiry (LCI) model in enhancing critical thinking skills among pre-service elementary school teachers in remote areas of Malang, Indonesia. The development of critical thinking skills is fundamental for educational success and effective problem-solving in real-world scenarios. Despite its recognized importance, the cultivation of these skills remains insufficiently addressed in Indonesia's educational practices, especially among pre-service teachers destined for elementary education in remote locales. To address this deficiency, a quasi-experimental research design was implemented, involving 82 pre-service teacher students distributed across four classes. These classes were systematically assigned to either the LCI model, the learning cycle, inquiry-based methods, or conventional teaching strategies. The effectiveness of these methods was measured using ANCOVA and LSD statistical analyses. The findings revealed that the LCI model significantly improved critical thinking skills (p 0.001), outperforming other educational approaches, with a corrected mean value of 84.39. These results underscore the potential of the LCI model to substantially boost critical thinking capabilities and suggest its wider adoption could enhance educational outcomes in similar settings.

Interpreting Teaching STEM Education to Pre-service Elementary Teachers Through Online Course

Insufficient comprehension of integrated STEM learning has become one of the main difficulties for teachers in implementing STEM lessons at school due to lack of integrative STEM curriculum in teachers’ education programs. Therefore, the Elementary Teacher Education Program Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia in Purwakarta offers STEM Education for Elementary course as an optional course to support 21st-century education at the elementary school level. However, due to the continued Covid-19 pandemic, during the second semester of the academic year 2020/2021, all courses in our program were entirely carried out online. Through the descriptive analysis method, this paper details how the 16-weeks course was enacted online with a varied delivery form. Forty-two pre-service teachers enrolled in the course. Data on the course implementation were gathered in the form of video recordings of the lesson, while students’ perception of the course delivery was captured through a course evaluation questionnaire. Results imply that the course includes a theoretical and practical session with teaching simulations and engineering challenges to model STEM teaching and learning to develop pre-service teacher’s STEM pedagogical and content knowledge. In addition, course evaluation suggests that after enrolling in the course, the pre-service teacher has positive perceptions of the course delivery. Keywords: STEM education, pre-service elementary teachers, online course

Local Ecosystem Observation Cycle: Supporting Preservice Elementary Teachers’ Engagement in Sensemaking

Local Ecosystem Observation Cycle: Supporting Preservice Elementary Teachers’ Engagement in Sensemaking

LMS 성찰 글쓰기를 활용한 ‘뉴스포츠 실기 및 지도법’ 전공수업에 참여한 직전 교사의 경험과 시사점 탐색

Objectives The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of pre-service teachers who took the ‘new sports practical skills and teaching method’ using LMS reflection writing at universities.
 Methods For 15 weeks from March 2 to June 8, 2023, the reflective essays written by elementary school preparatory teachers who participated in the New Sports Practical Skills and Teaching Methods class using reflective writing for 2 hours a week and the data collected through one in-depth interview were inductively categorically analyzed.
 Results The experience of the primary pre-service teacher who participated in the new sports practical skills and teaching method class is as follows. First, elementary pre-service teachers with low motor skills were able to discover the charm of new sports as they participated in new sports with less pressure. Second, primary pre-service teachers have acquired the intrinsic and extrinsic value of new sports. Third, the pre-service teachers were able to expand their practical knowledge of new sports as well as their understanding of teaching methods in the course of class demonstration exercises, thereby increasing their perspective on lesson design and management. Fourth, it broke away from school physical education, which was limited to modern sports, and laid the foundation for the operation of various physical education classes. Fifth, through reflective writing, primary pre-service teachers were able to improve their expertise as a future teacher by repeatedly having active and subjective reflections on the process of class participation.
 Conclusions Because the new sports practice and teaching method using LMS reflective writing provides meaningful experience to prospective elementary school teachers, it is desirable for it to be operated in the physical education department curriculum of immediate teacher education institutions.

“Don’t Call on Me!”: Mediating Preservice Elementary Teachers’ Mathematics Anxiety in a Problem-Based Classroom

This study aims to understand the ways in which problem-based teaching in a mathematics content course can alleviate pre-service elementary school teachers' mathematics anxiety. The significance of this work is to help increase the content and pedagogical knowledge of mathematics education, as outlined in STEM policies. Using a mixed method approach, the teachers-researchers explore what methods, procedures, and other perhaps unknown variables, helped pre-service elementary teachers decrease their mathematics anxiety during two mathematics content courses. The findings illuminate five major themes the authors discuss, which are illustrated by rich descriptions of students’ narratives and interviews. Given the importance of mathematics education, particularly the need for strengthening it at the childhood level, this work contributes to a growing body of research that can help future elementary education teachers become exemplary educators.