Pre-service Teacher Education Programs Research Articles

Whose Story? Competing versions of English in a London school

In this article, we look closely at two accounts of parallel lessons in the same London school. Early on in our pre-service teacher education programme, student teachers are asked to write about a lesson they have observed. Soumeya and Faduma each described a lesson where the novel, In the sea there are crocodiles by Fabio Geda, was being read. The observations are of parallel lessons taught by two different teachers. We use these accounts to explore differences in pedagogy and in the versions of English that are instantiated in the lessons. These forms of practice bear family resemblances to many other lessons—and have complex histories. Our interest lies in the ways in which they reflect or contest the view of the subject that dominates the landscape of policy in England today

Research Competence of Pre-Service Teachers: A Systematic Literature Review

<p>The importance of research competence in pre-service teacher education has been highlighted in many studies, but concerns over the lack and inconsistency of definition, measurement, and development of research competence still exist. This poses a challenge for pre-service education programmes to provide quality education to pre-service teachers in this area. Through a systematic literature review it was found that there is a gap in the existing literature regarding the definition of research competence in pre-service teacher education, as there seems to be no consensus on the definition. There is, however, an agreement that the development of research competence is an important part of study programmes, as it contributes to higher quality education of pre-service teachers. Addressing this, the review proposes a concise definition of research competence as a multifaceted construct that includes critical thinking, self-directed learning, and organizational skills essential for effective research. The review also highlighted a lack of consensus on the most appropriate frameworks and tools to use in measuring research competence in pre-service teachers, with studies using various frameworks and tools that differ in terms of research methods, instruments and sample characteristics. The results suggest that there is a need for greater attention to be paid to the definition and measurement of research competence, as well as its development within pre-service teacher education programmes.</p>

Pre-service TESOL teachers’ professional-awareness building through reflecting on reflections of critical incidents

AbstractScholars have questioned the effectiveness of reflective practice for gaining professional awareness or attaining professional development. In addition, the prevalence of inadequate comprehensive framework for pre-service teachers’ reflective practice and insufficient support of teacher educators have been noted in the literature. Against these backdrops, the present study attempted to demonstrate how reflecting on reflections, a form of reflective practice, of Critical Incidents (CIs) contributes to building pre-service TESOL teachers’ professional awareness. The study involved ten pre-service teachers (PSTs) in reflecting on reflections of CIs during the teaching practicum. Following the interpretive phenomenological approach, the study unfolded the CIs associated with pedagogical factors, including passive participation of the students, students’ late arrival in the classroom, disobedience to teachers’ instructions, the chaotic environment in the classroom, students’ rude behavior, and disruption caused by technical glitches, and CIs associated with intrapersonal and interpersonal factors, comprising students’ emotional exhaustion and unprofessional behaviors by senior teachers. Subsequently, it illustrated how PSTs cultivated their professional awareness through reflecting on reflections of CIs. The study presented a reflective practice framework applicable to pre-service and in-service teacher education programs. It also provided practical suggestions for pre-service and novice teachers to address and overcome the CIs. Teacher educators and trainers can harness the findings to prepare PSTs to conduct interactive and productive English language classes.

Examining artificial intelligence literacy among pre-service teachers for future classrooms

In the context of global integration and increasing reliance on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, evaluating the AI literacy of pre-service teachers is crucial. As future architects of educational systems, pre-service teachers must not only possess pedagogical expertise but also a strong foundation in AI literacy. This quantitative study examines AI literacy among 529 pre-service teachers in a Nigerian university, utilizing structural equation modeling (SEM) for comprehensive analysis. The research explores various dimensions of AI literacy, revealing that a profound understanding of AI significantly predicts positive outcomes in AI use, detection, ethics, creation, and problem-solving. However, no correlation exists between AI knowledge and emotion regulation or the assumption that active AI use enhances AI detection capabilities. The study identifies a trade-off between AI application and creation, emphasizing the ethical considerations intertwined with emotional and persuasive facets of AI use. It also supports the link between AI creation and problem-solving, emphasizing the foundational role of AI knowledge in shaping diverse aspects of AI literacy among pre-service teachers. The findings offer valuable insights for educators, administrators, policymakers, and researchers aiming to enhance AI literacy in pre-service teacher education programs.

Language choices in post‐observation conferences: L1 or L2, that is the question

AbstractFeedback within the context of post‐observation conferences (POCs) is critical for English language teachers' professional development. To date, however, surprisingly there has not yet been any study on language choices for feedback communication in POCs, considering around 80% of English language teachers worldwide are nonnative‐English speakers (NNESs) (Moussu, 2018). This study adopts the research paradigm of social constructivism, with a qualitative design to explore language choices (Chinese as L1 and English as L2) by one Chinese mentor and four Chinese mentees in POCs, in a near‐peer mentoring project in a UK‐based MA TESOL program. Data collected include two POCs, a mentor interview, and four mentee questionnaire answers. The data were analysed in depth by data reduction and inductive content analysis. It was found that both emotional and practical reasons resulted in the language decisions by the mentor and the mentees in the POCs. Albeit with small sample size, this study shows the intricacy of language use by NNESs in POCs in preservice teacher education programs and provides insights into how both mentor and mentees can be empowered as active agents capable of making judicious use of L1 and L2 for effective feedback communication in POCs.

In pursuit of social emotional learning in a Swedish pre-service teacher education programme: A qualitative study of intended curriculum

This study aimed to investigate the intended curriculum of a K-3 pre-service teacher education programme at a large university in Sweden and its focus on social emotional learning. Regulatory documents and semi-structured interviews with course leaders were examined through abductive content analysis. An implicit focus on pre-service teachers' social learning was identified. Further research is needed to examine a) how successful social learning can be without an explicit focus on the development of emotional skills; and b) what pre-service teachers' own social emotional learning means when it comes to their readiness and ability to support pupils’ social emotional development.

Benefits of Exposing Third-year English Language Student Teachers to Service Learning in One Rural-based University

The study explored the benefits of exposing third-year Bachelor of Education students to Service Learning at a rural-based South African University. Service Learning (SL) is a practice that links community service with learning activities to promote substantive learning. This study aimed to explore whether third-year student teachers could benefit from helping first-year student university students acquire literacy skills through SL. The study was underpinned by the Experiential learning theory (ELT). A qualitative research paradigm underpinned by an interpretative epistemology was used in this study. A non-random sampling technique was used to select participants from the Faculty of Education at the participating institution. Data were generated using observing classroom activities, semi-structured and focus group interviews. Data analysis emerged with themes and sub-themes. Overall, the results revealed that the third-year students gained self-confidence, enhanced self-esteem and enhanced academic skills. The study revealed that exposing students to SL made them gain academic knowledge, cognitive skills, interpersonal skills, and self-confidence as they endeavoured to put theoretical knowledge into practice. As a pedagogy, SL created an enabling environment for learners to express themselves freely – thereby creating space for the expression and consolidation of new experiences. Thus, the study suggested that SL be incorporated into pre-service teacher education programmes from the first year in a spiral curriculum modality up to the fourth (last) year of study. Incorporation of SL into teacher education programmes may be done by infusing it into School experience modules as proposed by the participants.

Multidisciplinary approaches to establishing trauma informed practice for pre-service teachers

AbstractIn response to the urgent need for teachers to be better equipped with strategies for responding to students who suffer the effects of complex trauma (CT), this inter-disciplinary study investigated the lived experiences of professionals (social workers, psychologists, criminal justice workers and community workers) working with school students with CT in out-of-school contexts. The aim of this study was to formulate strategic approaches from the expertise of out-of-school professionals and specialists that might be adapted for use within pre-service teacher education programs to better prepare the next generation of teachers with the skills needed for working with trauma-affected students. Using a phenomenological methodology and working through an ecological-psychosocial theoretical lens, this qualitative study found three key categories of understandings and skills used as a common approach amongst specialists working with students suffering the effects of CT: an applied understanding of child development, a capacity to read and adjust classroom environment and climate; and underpinning theoretical knowledge of the effects of trauma on young people’s behaviour.

Teaching Deep Culture to Develop Intercultural Communicative Competence (ICC) for EFL Pre-service Teachers

In common, EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teachers primarily provide surface-level cultural knowledge to their pupils, who are then expected to use critical thinking to delve into the material. Unfortunately, Universitas Billfath's pre-service teacher education program experienced the same situation. However, candidates for language teachers should possess intercultural competency, which means they should learn about both visible and hidden aspects of culture. To prepare pre-service teachers for their future careers, this study suggests that they be taught profound cultural issues. This will help them to enhance their intercultural communicative competence (ICC). To be specific, this study began with a brief overview of the teaching context and participants. Additionally, a critical analysis of incorporating deep culture to develop ICC was examined. This article also provided an illustration of how the method of teaching deep culture is organized and the reasoning behind it.

Rural Early Childhood Educators’ Perception of Music-Based Pedagogy in Teaching Communication Skills to Children

Early childhood care and Education is an important phase for impacting communication skills to children for building a strong sense of identity and belonging. The South African National Curriculum Framework (NCF) regards communication skills as one of the six early learning and development areas considered for Early Childhood and Education (ECCE). Caps Grade R admonishes educators to support learners with interpersonal Communication Skills and to develop their Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency by engaging them in activities that focus on rhymes. Thus, South African children need skillful educators to employ developmental implementation strategies to support their acquisition of these skills. Research shows that subjects like Life Skills, English Language, Civic Education, and Mathematics are successfully implemented using music-based pedagogy. However, because ECCE is relatively new in South Africa, there is no strong structure to support the ECCE/ECD (Early Childhood Development) educators in employing music-based pedagogies to teach communication skills to the children. This article focuses on the rural ECD/ECCE educators’ perception and experiences in employing music-based pedagogy to support the children’s acquisition of communication skills. The study was conducted at two ECD/ECCE centres in Northern Cape province, South Africa.This is participatory visual research where Six ECD/ECCE Educators were engaged in semi-structured interviews and reflective activities on how they facilitate communication skills using music. The study was informed by Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory. The educators supported music-based pedagogy, however, inadequate musical training, non-availability of musical resources, and non-inclusion of music as an independent subject in the CAPS/NRF documents are their constraints. In their pre-service teacher education programs, almost all South African institutions include creative arts training; the course is typically taught over one semester, and music is merely one of the various creative arts subfields. As a result, the pre-service teachers lack the necessary musical background to implement music-based instruction. In conclusion, the study recommends musical intervention training to empower ECD/ECCE educators. Keywords: Early Childhood Development, Rural Context, Music-Based Pedagogy Communication Skills.

Reflections on Our Journeys to Foregrounding Students’ Experiences Through Literature in a Pre-Service Teacher Education Programme

ABSTRACT In this essay, four teacher educators explore their journeys towards foregrounding students’ lived experiences when teaching literature. Data about our teaching of literature in different contexts were generated through our personal reflective narratives and ensuing dialogic critical friend conversations. Inductive thematic analysis of the narratives revealed that in spite of our diverse initial teaching contexts and trajectories, we initially all taught in much the same teacher-centred way. We also came to the realisation, however, that over the years our informal conversations had played a role in our teaching, allowing us to move beyond our educations. Collaborative teaching relationships developed out of incidental corridor conversations and these have been instrumental in reshaping our teaching of literature, enabling us to make literary texts relevant to societal issues and the lived experiences of our students.

Supporting the Development of Students’ Scientific Literacy

ABSTRACT Science teachers are increasingly encouraged to critically engage their students with scientific knowledge and expertise, with the expectation that such instructional practices will support the development of scientific literacy (SL). Drawing on Bildung framework, this qualitative study was conducted in Tanzania to explore how science teachers’ classroom practices facilitate the development of students’ SL. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and non-participant classroom observations with science teachers and students from six secondary schools. The study has identified five instructional practices that were used to support students’ development of SL, namely guided reading, code-switching, educational print and visual aids, science experiments, and science projects. While there is evidence that the instructional practices used provided opportunities for students to contribute their thinking, experience and understanding to the science learning, the instructional practices were mostly print-based, paper-based and teacher-led, resulting in little engagement in active scientific thinking and literacy learning. Overall, the knowledge base developed by this study is of practical use to science teachers and educators in making decisions about appropriate instructional practices and what should be the regular focus of pre-service teacher education and professional development programs.

Prospective Teachers’ Learning and Practicing Assessment in Teaching Practicum: Comparative Perspective in Pre-Service Teacher Education Programmes

This study examines the challenges associated with implementing learning-supportive assessment during teaching practicum, while also exploring the roles of University Tutors (UT), Cooperative Teachers (CT), Prospective Teachers (PT), and Heads of Practicum Schools (HPS) in selected universities in Pakistan and the United Kingdom (UK). Using the qualitative case study approach, data was collected through lesson observations of UT in pre-service teacher education settings and PT in practicum schools. Additionally, interviews were conducted with UT and HPS, and a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was held with PT. The study concludes that, in comparison to their UK counterparts, PT in Pakistan encounter significant barriers to implementing learning-supportive assessment in practicum school settings. These barriers include large class sizes, a lack of institutionalised collaboration between universities and schools, inadequate lesson modelling, ineffective feedback practices, assignments that emphasise lower-order thinking skills, and limited opportunities to utilise technology in school settings. Based on the findings, the study recommends the implementation of a new assessment policy that expands examinations beyond mere knowledge recall to include competency assessment. This policy should incorporate adherence to Pakistani teacher standards and the use of reflective portfolios. Moreover, it is advised to provide training for UT and CT in enacting assessment techniques rather than solely providing theoretical knowledge. Additionally, the study proposes the development of problem-solving assignments or projects that require PT to engage in reflection, critical thinking, imagination, and multidimensional contributions. JEL Classification Code: I20

“Voices on the ground”: Solomon Islands teachers’ perceptions of hosting an Australian pre-service teacher education program

There is scant representation of the outcomes of international teaching experiences from the perspective of host teachers despite a growing number of these sorts of programs. Addressing this gap, we conducted focus group interviews with 21 Solomon Islands teachers/school leaders regarding their experiences hosting Australian pre-service teachers in their schools. Findings revealed a range of program benefits, challenges, and some suggestions for improvement, and overall showed the value of these types of programs for host country teachers. However, given the popularity of international study programs as an internationalisation strategy in higher education in Global North countries, and the likelihood of these programs to involve previously colonised, developing countries, the study's findings are important from an ethical standpoint, to explore potential colonising influences and power relations that may arise. As such, this study has implications for how international immersion programs should be planned and enacted to ameliorate potential.

South African Legal Framework to Prepare Pre-Service Teacher Education Programmes: A Freirean Approach

The education sector in South Africa is governed by a complex legal framework that outlines guidelines, policies and standards for pre-service teacher education programmes. In order to prepare pre-service teachers for the classroom, universities must navigate this legal framework and ensure that their programmes comply with the requirements set forth by various regulatory bodies. However, the authors argue that these requirements are not enough to prepare student teachers for the classroom. Rather, by using Paulo Freire’s critical pedagogy as a theoretical lens, they argue that student teachers should be conscientized to become agents of change in the classroom and promote social justice, while adhering to legal guidelines in their teacher training. Furthermore, education spaces need to consider the context of schools and higher education institutions, student society, teaching and scientific endeavours, educational administration, pedagogical imageology and intercultural education to address these standardisation challenges. Through a desktop analysis, this article provides an overview of the legal framework for integrating learning into pre-service teacher education programmes in South Africa. The study asks: what are the legal requirements and guidelines that universities must follow to prepare pre-service teachers for the classroom in South Africa? To answer this question, the authors conducted a literature review of relevant legal frameworks and guidelines, including legal documentations, case law, academic literature and publications from professional organisations. The research methodology primarily consisted of a search for literature using specific search terms and databases. The article provides recommendations for how universities can effectively navigate the legal framework in training pre-service teachers, drawing on key findings from the literature review. These include the need for universities to ensure that their teacher education programmes are socially just.

유아교사교육과정에서의 인공지능 관련 교과목 개설현황 및 현직교사의 경험

Objectives This study analyzed the current status of AI-related curriculum offered in early childhood teacher edu-cation programs and explored the experiments of current teachers regarding AI education.
 Methods To achieve this, the study analyzed the websites of 61 universities with departments of early childhood education that had established AI-related curriculum, frequency and percentages were calculated. Additionally, in-depth interviews were conducted with seven current teachers who had experience with AI education, using a qualitative data analysis approach to examine their experiences.
 Results The results of the study are as follows: Firstly, in terms of the current status of AI-related curriculum in early childhood teacher education programs, 49 courses were offered in four-year universities, and 45 courses were offered in three-year(or two-year) colleges. Both four-year universities and three-year(or two-year) col-leges offered the highest number of courses in the first semester of the first year. While four-year universities offered courses with major studies worth three credits, three-year(or two-year) colleges had more courses with general education worth two credits. Secondly, from the perspective of current teachers' experiences with AI ed-ucation, the study identified how current teachers get rid of a sense of vague apprehension, anxiety and negative perceptions, and specified the experiences of engaging with AI education through play.
 Conclusions This study contributes foundational data for the implementation of AI education in pre-service early childhood teacher education programs.

Assessing the Readiness of Pre-service Teachers to Teach English to ESL Learners in Fijian Secondary Schools

This study aimed to assess the readiness of pre-service English teachers in a teacher training program at Fiji National University to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) to Fijian ESL learners. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from twenty-two students enrolled in a compulsory language course during their third year of undergraduate study. These findings underscore the pivotal role of English teachers in maximizing students’ formal schooling and exposure to their native language (L1) to create an engaging learning environment. Additionally, this study found that enhancing pre-service teachers’ cultural awareness improves their readiness to teach English to Fijian ESL students. Central to this study is the recognition of the essential elements necessary in pre-service teacher education programs. This study includes multifaceted support systems, such as emphasizing the significance of comprehensive support in pre-service teacher education programs, including mentorship programs, practical teaching opportunity experiences, feedback mechanisms, platforms for self-reflection and peer reflection opportunities, integration of technology into teaching, and the improvement of effective communication and teaching methodologies. These findings hold substantial promise in informing and potentially guide policy decisions and offer recommendations for the refinement of teacher-training programs and curriculum development in secondary school settings. This study recommends the provision of training and support through professional development seminars geared towards fostering culturally responsive and inclusive classrooms, emphasizing the importance of training and ongoing support for teachers.

Preservice Teachers' Perceptions of Teacher Self-Efficacy in Kuwait Public Schools: A Qualitative Exploration

The research investigates pre-service teachers’ self-efficacy within the context of Kuwait’s public education system. The purpose of this research paper is to investigate preservice teachers’ knowledge of teacher self-efficacy, their perceptions of its importance and impact on their instruction, and to identify factors that the preservice teachers feel contribute to the development of positive self-efficacy. The research was conducted directly with the preservice teachers using the qualitative research method with structured interview questions. Results indicate that preservice teachers are aware of teacher self-efficacy, believe it influences their instruction in specific ways and can identify specific factors they believe play a key role in the development of high levels of teacher self-efficacy as they complete their preservice teacher education programs.
 
 Received: 16 September 2023 / Accepted: 20 October 2023 / Published: 5 November 2023

Autoethnography for language teacher education programs: Connecting identities, ideologies, and experiences to curricular design practices

AbstractAutoethnography, a qualitative research methodology that investigates aspects of individuals' identities, ideologies, and emotions, has recently gained traction in applied linguistics and second language (L2) scholarship. However, research is needed that investigates the use of autoethnography in preservice teacher education programs, along with exploring the connections between individuals' autoethnographies and actual pedagogical practices. The current study explores such issues by implementing a critical autoethnographic narrative assignment in a master's TESOL course for teacher candidates (TCs). Eight TCs completed two installments of a critical autoethnographic narrative, reflecting on their prior L2 learning and teaching/tutoring experiences. After completing various course assignments (e.g., textbook review, lesson plans), TCs then produced a final multimodal reflection, examining how their experiences influenced their pedagogies. TCs' narratives and reflections were thematically analyzed to examine 1) shared identities, ideologies, and challenges faced, and 2) explicit connections TCs made between their experiences and pedagogies. The findings of this study point to multiple shared ideologies and challenges among the TCs. Some preservice teachers were also able to link aspects of their identities and ideologies to specific curricular design practices. Implications are discussed for L2 teacher educators in terms of leveraging autoethnography for fostering reflective practices.

Developing pre-service teachers’ adaptive expertise through STEM-CT integration in professional development and residency placements

This paper focuses on how one innovative teacher education model, that included a unique residency model and the integration of computational thinking and digital teaching and learning in elementary classrooms, supported the development of adaptive expertise in pre-service teacher education programs. The theoretical frame applied in this study is adaptive expertise through the lens of sociocultural theory, and it employs tenets of ethnographic research procedure as methodology. Data demonstrated that the model provided pre-service teachers with a rigorous setting that allowed for practice of routine expertise as well as adaptive expertise. Additionally, analysis pointed to balancing efficiency and innovation and mentor-mentee collaboration as key components of the development of adaptive expertise in pre-service teachers.