Pre-service Education Programs Research Articles

Clinical competency of nurses trained in competency-based versus objective-based education in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: a qualitative study

BackgroundDesigning competency-based education (CBE) programmes is a priority in global nursing education for better nursing care for the population. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), object-based education (OBE) remains mainstream in pre-service nursing education programmes. Recently, the Ministry of Health developed a self-assessment tool and quantitatively compared the clinical competency of CBE- and OBE-trained nurses. This study aimed to qualitatively triangulate the results of self-evaluation by exploring perception of supervisors, incumbent CBE-, and OBE-trained nurses in comparison with the competence of the two types of nurses, and to identify influential factors or barriers to their competence in clinical settings.MethodsA qualitative descriptive approach with conventional content analysis was applied. Twenty interviews with clinical supervisors who oversaw both CBE- and OBE-trained nurses, 22 focus group discussions (FGDs) with CBE-trained nurses, and 21 FGDs with OBA-trained nurses currently working in health facilities were conducted. Participants of the FGDs were selected from the participants of the DRC self-assessment competency comparison study where there was no statistically significance between CBE- and OBE-trained nurses in the demographic characteristics. Data were analysed in terms of the competencies identified by the Ministry of Health.ResultsThe supervisors recognised that the CBE-trained nurses had stronger competencies in professional communication, making decisions about health problems, and engaging in professional development, but were weak in clinical skills. This study identified challenges for supervisors in assuring standardised care in health facilities with OBE- and CBE-trained nurses, as well as barriers for CBE-trained nurses as a minority in the workplace in demonstrating their competencies.ConclusionsThe study results support the Ministry of Health’s policy to expand CBE in pre-service education programmes but reveal that its slow implementation impedes full utilisation of the acquired competencies at health facilities. Implementation could be accelerated by strengthening cooperation among the Ministry of Health’s three human resource departments, and developing and implementing a well-planned, legally binding, long-term CBE reform strategy, including an approach to the Continuing Professional Development system.

Professional Development in Computational Thinking: A Systematic Literature Review

This paper presents a systematic literature review of professional development programs in computational thinking (CT). CT has emerged as an essential set of skills that everyone should develop to participate in a global society. However, there were no pre-service or in-service teacher programs to integrate CT into the K–12 classrooms until very recently. Thus, it is important to identify how educators and researchers address the challenges to prepare the next generation of students and what gaps persist in the current literature. We review existing work in this field from two perspectives: First, we analyze the learning outcomes, assessment methods, pedagogical approaches, and pedagogical tools used in the professional development programs in CT. Second, we examine how these programs assess the teachers’ knowledge and skills as outcomes. We used the technological pedagogical and content knowledge (TPACK) framework to characterize existing literature and identify possible gaps in the preparation of pre-service and in-service teachers in CT. Our results suggest that (1) existing evidence is limited to developed countries; (2) many studies are only focusing on teachers understanding the concepts but do not explore how the participants evaluate or create learning activities; (3) no studies look into classroom observations as part of the program, which limits our understanding to how these programs work; and (4) most programs use block-based programming languages as the tool to develop student CT. While block-based programming languages are used for introductory training programs, students are often expected to transfer their learning to more professional programming languages.

Culture of Interculturality, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (IDEI) Assessment: Lessons from a Social Justice-Based Intercultural Learning Certificate Program for Preservice Teachers

Despite the pillars, rubrics, and standards provided by national education organizations and accrediting bodies, many educator preparation programs (EPPs) struggle to prepare teacher candidates to engage effectively with all children across differences in an intercultural context. The ability to engage across differences is especially important for teacher candidates as America’s public schools are more diverse than ever. To increase teacher candidates’ knowledge skills and dispositions, we propose a theory-based program focused on interculturality, diversity, equity, and inclusion (IDEI) that aligns with professional accreditation standards and weaves in effective assessment practices. By intentionally embedding assessment activities in program development, we hope to create a culture of IDEI assessment that not only meets accreditor standards but also results in program improvements and learners’ development.

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>

A Case Study on the Program for Pre-service Teachers to Improve Teaching Profession and Character Education Competency

A Case Study on the Program for Pre-service Teachers to Improve Teaching Profession and Character Education Competency

An integrated model of socially shared regulation of learning: The role of metacognition, affect, and motivation

The purpose of this paper is to present an integrated theoretical model of socially shared regulation of learning (SSRL), which is an elaboration of Efklides’ Motivation and Affect in Self-Regulated Learning model that situates metacognition, affect, and motivation at the socially shared level. Building from existing theoretical and empirical work, the role of metacognition, affect and motivation in socially shared regulation of learning is described along with how these facets may facilitate or constrain regulatory phases and processes in relation to the individual and the group, and in consideration of the learning task. Educational implications are discussed including increasing focus on the social and cognitive processes involved in SSRL in pre-service teaching programs and advocating for the development of learning situations where students practice SSRL strategies.

Comparative Competence of Science Educators on the New Licensure Examination as Basis for a Review Program

The demand to prepare future science educators for national board examinations necessitates teacher training institutions to assess the licensure competence of pre-service teachers. In the case of the Philippines, the Licensure Examination for Teachers or LEPT has new competencies, which have not been fully assessed on the perspective of pre-service teachers. In this, the researcher assessed and compared the self-reported competence of alumni (a, n=38) and ongoing pre-service teachers (o, n=43) of a large state university in the Philippines. To do this, the researcher developed a survey-questionnaire with contents based on the Enhanced Table of Specifications or TOS for LEPT which was first implemented in March 2023 in the Philippines, the survey was conducted during the 1st semester of S.Y. 2023-2023. Results revealed that the pre-service teachers (n=81) have high level of competence for the LEPT. Further, the level of competence of alumni is comparable to those of on-going students. However, a significant difference was found in competencies related to Challenging Activities in Science, Assessment Tools, Basic Biotechniques, and Waves and Optics, where alumni demonstrated a significantly higher competence. To provide continuity for the findings, the researcher proposes a review program for Filipino pre-service teachers based on the findings. Furthermore, the researcher recommends that a content-competency alignment will be conducted between the Enhanced TOS of LEPT and the latest relevant issuances on Policies, Standards and Guidelines (PSGs) for Education degree programs issued by the Commission on Higher Education. Moreover, a curriculum mapping is recommended between the Enhanced TOS and the MATATAG Curriculum for Science. To provide an international perspective, the researcher recommends an analysis of licensure competencies for teachers among ASEAN countries.

Teacher growth mindset and ICT integration in Indonesian classrooms: insights from in-service and preservice teacher programs

PurposeThis study explores the relationships among multiple factors, including growth mindset, lifelong learning and continuous professional development (CPD), influencing teachers’ integration of information and communication technology (ICT) into their teaching methods.Design/methodology/approachThe study involved 1,095 Indonesian vocational high school teachers who participated in in-service or preservice teacher development programs. Data was collected through a survey, and a structural equation model with partial least squares parameter estimation was used to analyze the relationships and mediations.FindingsStructural equation modeling revealed that a growth mindset positively affects both lifelong learning and CPD. Moreover, lifelong learning positively impacts CPD. Furthermore, all of these variables demonstrate a positive effect on teachers’ ICT integration in the classroom. The findings indicate that lifelong learning and CPD partially mediate the relationship between a growth mindset and ICT integration.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature on the determinants of teachers’ ICT usage postparticipation in in-service and preservice teacher programs. The findings underscore the significant impact of a growth mindset on teachers’ ICT use in the classroom.

Two for one: Effectiveness of a mandatory personal and classroom stress management program for preservice teachers.

The present study employed a quasi-experimental design to evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of a 6-hr mandatory stress management and well-being program for preservice teachers. A program group of 157 preservice teachers (Mage = 22.46 years; 88% women) completed the program as well as baseline, postprogram, and follow-up measures. A comparison group of 63 preservice teachers (Mage = 23.50 years; 85% women) completed measures at similar time points but did not receive the program. All participants completed measures of stress, coping self-efficacy, anxiety, mindfulness, and well-being. The program group completed additional measures of well-being, affect, and program satisfaction. Findings revealed significant improvements in key indices of mental health and well-being for those in the program group relative to the comparison group and high ratings of program satisfaction. Discussion focuses on implications of present findings for mandatory inclusion of wellness curriculum in teacher preparation programs with instruction on enhancing their own and their students' well-being. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Preparing culturally and linguistically responsive teachers of multilingual learners through teacher research

This article presents an overview of Project ELEECT (English Learners’ Educational Excellence Capitol Teacher Training Project), a U.S. Department of Education-funded program designed to prepare teachers in Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Pedagogy (CLRP) for multilingual learners (ML). The purpose of Project ELEECT is to promote educational justice for MLs by revising a Master of Arts + ESL Licensure program for pre-service teachers and creating a professional development program for in-service teachers. It prepares pre-service and in-service teachers of MLs in CLRP through teacher research, and specifically offers a novel professional learning tool, which we call Impact on Learning Studies (IOLS). This teacher research tool represents a framework for the systematic and intentional self-study of their teaching practices. In this article, we lay the foundations for a research agenda that investigates pre-service and in-service teachers’ understanding and implementation of CLRP, documents concrete examples of CLRP in various classroom contexts, and examines the efficacy of teacher research initiatives to prepare teachers in CLRP. Project ELEECT prepares teachers to invite students’ cultural and linguistic experiences into their classrooms, create spaces for CLRP, and foster critical consciousness in learning settings, thus taking a major shift towards cultivation of anti-racist dispositions in education.

The Lighthouse Framework: Proposing a Movement-Based Constructivist Framework for Early Childhood Music Education and Pre-Service Education Programs

This article aims to provide practical strategies and examples for pre-service early education programs and early education teachers to develop music- and movement-based curricula for teacher preparation programs and early childhood music classrooms. To address the inconsistencies in early childhood music programs, the authors developed the Lighthouse Framework, which utilizes constructivist ideology to help students learn through and adapt the teaching model while simultaneously learning music- and movement-based content. Through this proposed framework, pre-service teachers can gain authentic teaching experience, real-time feedback, and an adaptable framework for their future curriculum planning.

ACTION RESEARCH IN PRE-SERVICE TEACHER EDUCATION IN THE FIELD OF PEDAGOGY. REFLECTIONS FROM PRACTICE

This article is an invitation to discuss the rationale, the foundations and the resulting place and boundary conditions of incorporating research of an educational intervention nature known as action research into the pre-service education programmes (in the pedagogical component, in the implementation of modules devoted to didactics). In the situation of a radically changing teaching context, we not only do not deny but appreciate the importance of basing (or supporting) the didactics of higher education with the results of research carried out in the quantitative convention (leading to theories explaining the phenomena and processes occurring in school reality on a macro or meso scale), reaching out to the results of research undertaken in the interpretative convention, reconstructing the meanings and senses given by the actors of the educational scene to their place and professional role. However, we believe that in the acquisition of strictly didactic competence it is worthwhile to include the critical reflection triggered by the study of school practice via pedagogical theories, but also to encourage and create conditions for participation in projects transforming the space and modes of learning beyond the classroom and school walls. Drawing on examples from own practice, I show the possibilities and limitations of student research in action embedded in dialogical and trialogical approaches to teacher education.

Inclusive active play curriculum in pre-service Canadian early childhood education programs

ABSTRACT While active play in childcare settings is important for children’s development and wellbeing, children with disabilities are frequently excluded from these experiences. This could be a consequence of the pre-service training provided to early childhood educators (ECEs). As such, this study investigated the quantity and content of inclusive active play offered within Canadian post-secondary early childhood education programs. An environmental scan and content analysis were conducted to assess course descriptions for 114 programs. Of the 2,610 courses examined, only 1% captured inclusive active play. Although content on disability inclusion and active play were captured uniquely, courses lacked intersections of these two topics. Future curriculum development is needed to support ECEs in the implementation of inclusive active play. Based on this research, four recommendations were provided. As Canada implements a new national childcare strategy, this study has implications for educators aiming to prioritize the inclusion of all children in high-quality care.

생성형 인공지능 리터러시 활용 교육에 대한 인식 및 지원 방안 탐색: 예비중등교사를 중심으로

Objectives The study was conducted to explore the future directions for the implementation of a generative AI
 literacy education program for pre-service secondary teachers.
 Methods A survey was conducted among 94 pre-service secondary teachers from A University. The purpose of
 the survey was to assess their level of interest in understanding and utilizing generative artificial intelligence, their
 requirement for relevant education, and the assistance plans they might need. Additionally, in-depth interviews
 were conducted with 6 pre-service secondary teachers.
 Results 79.8% of pre-service secondary teachers reported having experience with AI programs, and 46.8% indicated
 that their knowledge of AI-related topics was at an introductory level. To support education in AI literacy, a practical
 space was provided where technologies related to AI could be used and AI literacy education should encompass
 both specialized majors and general liberal arts education. In-depth interviews revealed that the intention to enroll
 in AI literacy courses stemmed from the desire to enhance the capabilities of prospective secondary teachers, a
 personal interest in AI literacy, and curiosity about the courses themselves. Furthermore, the importance of
 adapting to societal changes and integrating AI-related subjects into the curriculum was emphasized.
 Conclusions It was suggested that the AI subject for pre-service secondary teachers should be taught as a
 practical-oriented regular course, focusing on enhancing the ability to critically analyze and embrace the information
 provided by artificial intelligence, rather than focusing on coding. It was also recommended to provide disciplinespecific
 education tailored to each subject area.

Multi-layered mentoring: exemplars from a U.S. STEM teacher education program

ABSTRACT This article presents a multi-layered approach to mentoring within an urban secondary teacher education program in the mid-southern United States. The featured case focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), although multi-layered mentoring could occur in other subject areas or in general preservice teacher education. The goal is to address the shortage of qualified teachers in the school districts in one of the largest, most diverse American metropolises. This narrative inquiry research captures preservice teachers' experiences of multi-layered mentoring in the form of exemplars. The evidence for the narrative exemplars is produced by the interpretive tools of broadening, burrowing and storying/restorying. Broadening captures the case’s research backdrop (i.e., history, events); burrowing digs deeply into individuals’ experiential narratives; and storying/restorying captures changes that happened over time and place. Three themes emerged from the case's four exemplars: 1) interactions in knowledge communities, 2) trying on of future selves, and 3) engaging in inquiry. The experience-rich exemplars, along with these common overarching themes, distinguish the multi-layered mentoring approach. In the spotlighted case, 88% of those who graduated from the secondary STEM preservice education program were retained over a 5-year period, which exceeds the retention rates of the participating urban school districts.

ESL/EFL Teachers’ Role in Moral and Political Education in China and Its Implications for Pre-Service Teacher Education

ESL/EFL teaching exhibits a strong compatibility with moral and political education, and its classroom is a natural place for instruction. Teachers assume pivotal roles as leaders, designers, and practitioners, wielding considerable influence over the quality of foreign language teaching through their capacity to impart moral values and cultivate ethical awareness. It is imperative to incorporate moral values into teacher education to equip teachers with the requisite skills to foster moral development in their students. However, the pre-service education in China has failed to address the issue, resulting in a lack of pertinent training. As a result, in-service teachers often encounter challenges when attempting to integrate moral and political education into their pedagogical practices, including a deficiency in relevant knowledge, inadequate skill sets, and inappropriate teaching methods. Consequently, a crucial necessity exists for comprehensive revisions to pre-service education programs, particularly to curriculum and course design, to meet the specific needs of ESL/EFL teachers.

Stoking the Fires of Pre-service Educators through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ways of Learning

Great emphasis has been placed on embedding Indigenous knowledges and perspectives in western-based education systems and pedagogical practices. This study discusses the results of a four-month program for pre-service teachers that targeted best-practice Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pedagogy. The program challenged existing notions of western-based teaching and learning through innovative approaches to the design of learning. Specifically, the program has been underpinned by the 8 Ways Aboriginal Pedagogical Framework which focuses on interconnected learning experiences which have been developed through Aboriginal systems, protocols, values and processes. The program embedded authentic practices aimed at empowering pre-service teachers. The research design explored four dimensions of empowerment relating to embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives: knowledge, understanding, perceptions and attitudes. Quantitative survey data was gathered pre and post program and paired samples t-tests were conducted and found all four dimensions of empowerment improved significantly following the program (p < 0.05). The results of this study demonstrate the effectiveness of teaching, learning and assessing through the lens of the 8 Ways Aboriginal Pedagogical framework to increase teacher agency to become more culturally responsive educators.

Reading Self-Efficacy of EFL Students on Pre-Service Teaching Program and Practice in the EFL Classrooms

Students’ self-efficacy regarding their ability to learn is critical for their motivation to learn and achieve the intended goals. What they believe, they are capable of will influence how they learn. This study examines students’ self-efficacy in reading academic materials and their preferred academic materials based on two distinct sources, printed and digital. Descriptive qualitative is used to conduct this study. In collecting the data, the researchers utilized an online questionnaire and interview. The study interviewed and distributed questionnaires to 30 university students about their experiences reading academic materials. The study found that students exhibit favorable attitudes toward the three components of self-efficacy: mastery experiences, vicarious experiences, and physiological states. Additionally, the majority of students have a high level of self-efficacy when it comes to reading academic materials from both printed and digital sources. From the two sources, students prefer to read digital academic materials than printed ones. Therefore, lecturers are expected to let students choose the most appropriate sources of materials for academic reading. They should also instill a reading habit in their students, which can begin with reading materials that interest them.

Envisioning Pre-service English teacher education in Colombia as political action

This reflective article explores the need to revise the education of pre-service English teachers to place critical and political dimensions as central components in the education of future teachers. The author presents a brief critical overview of some key historical events in Colombia that have taken place mainly during the last sixty years. Two national educational proposals that aim to promote peaceful human relations and knowledge of the country’s historically violent past (Cátedra para la Paz and Estándares de Competencias Ciudadanas) are also described. Two complementary approaches to English teacher education are discussed as possible alternatives to enacting teacher education from a political and critical stance (Teacher Education for Social Justice and Critical Teacher Education). Finally, three trends in English teaching and research in Colombia are described as a way to illustrate some of the ways in which different scholars have enacted English teaching as part of a political and critical endeavor. The author concludes that in order to contribute to a more just, equitable, and peaceful country, pre-service English teacher programs must prepare prospective teachers committed to a process of social, cultural, and political transformation of the local realities of Colombia.

Whole-institution approach to social justice education for preservice teachers

PurposeThis study used the design process (analysis, development, and evaluation) to understand and refine the process, dimensions, and outcomes of a multi-year, whole-institution approach to social justice education for preservice teachers (PSTs) at one institution. The authors used shared governance to establish a cross-disciplinary faculty-student learning community and provided interdisciplinary social justice learning opportunities to PSTs across multiple years. These were delivered using high-impact practices such as community-engaged learning and ePortfolios.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used formative data to examine and refine this study's program design. The authors assessed engagement within and across the components of the whole-institution approach and the impact on, and change in, social justice learning and orientation for PSTs.FindingsFindings showed deepened engagement within and across the components of the whole-institution approach, however, committee representation, opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, and coordinated field experiences are areas that can be strengthened. All PSTs demonstrated an understanding of the connections between annual social justice foci and teaching practices, and some documented growth in social justice awareness over time. The authors found more clarity is needed around archiving and keeping social justice event reflections in the ePortfolio each year.Originality/valueThis study adds to the existing literature by using the design process to refine the development of a whole-institution social justice education program for PSTs.