University Teacher Education Research Articles

The Path of Improving the Effectiveness of Class Teachers’ Parenting in Private Colleges and Universities Based on Decision Tree Models

Abstract This paper firstly researches the path to enhance the effectiveness of class teacher’s collaborative parenting in private colleges and universities, mainly studies the two collaborative parenting modes of “Counselor + Freshman Class Teacher” and “Class Teacher + Academic Mentor” and summarizes the roles and main links in the two modes. The two modes’ roles and subject connections are summarized. On the basis of the second decision tree, the C4.5 algorithm is used to calculate the sample data set and then get the results of student characteristic information gain, and then the decision tree is generated according to the results of student characteristic information gain, disaggregated attributes and split points. Then, the student characteristic information gain is used as the selection measure of attributes, and then the decision tree-based classroom teacher teaching and educating model is constructed, and the effectiveness of classroom teacher education in private colleges and universities is statistically analyzed. The results show that there are significant differences in the dimensions of caring for students [F(2, 86)=5.58, P=0.005] and instructing students’ ability [F(2, 86)=3.42, P=0.038] among classroom teachers of different classroom teacher’s tenure in private colleges and universities, and there are no significant differences in the other dimensions of educating people’s ability. This research knot promotes the improvement of classroom teachers’ parenting ability in private colleges and universities, which is important for the improvement of students’ learning ability.

The Missing Piece in the CASEL Model: The Impact of Social–Emotional Learning on Online Literature Teaching and Learning

The use of social–emotional learning (SEL) practices in online literature teaching has not yet been sufficiently researched. This study addresses this lacuna by identifying SEL practices mentioned by lecturers and preservice teachers (PSTs) as they reported on their respective experiences of teaching and learning in online literature lessons. Data were collected using three research tools: questionnaires were completed by 28 lecturers from four different teacher education colleges and 90 PSTS; semi-structured interviews were held with 12 of the literature PSTs; and a focus group was held with six lecturers. A data analysis revealed six major SEL-related themes mentioned by lecturers and PSTs as essential practices of online learning and teaching: building relationships, working collaboratively, emotional involvement, effective communication, dealing with conflicting feelings, and techno-pedagogic skills. These findings contribute to our understanding of online learning and teaching versatility and complexity. Considering these findings in light of existing theoretical models demonstrates that while five themes coincide with the skills included in the CASEL model, the sixth theme regarding techno-pedagogical skills is not part of the original model. These findings expand the applicability of the CASEL model from its original face-to-face learning context to the interaction between learners and lecturers in an online platform.

Applying Statistical Analysis Methods to Study the Key Factors of Innovative Curriculum Systems in Teacher Education

Abstract Based on analyzing the curriculum of teacher education in colleges and universities, this paper proposes the key factors of the innovative curriculum system of teacher education, i.e., the innovation of teacher curriculum and teaching materials. Based on the method of correlation analysis to construct a curriculum system oriented to teacher education innovation, the systematic cluster analysis method is used to study the proper classification of the curriculum system by calculating the Euclidean distance for R-type clustering, showing the clustering process and results of the whole curriculum system. The similarity coefficient of student achievement is used to measure the degree of similarity between the variables, and according to the results of clustering analysis of teachers’ educational research situation, it is proposed to meet the needs of teachers’ educational research. The values of educational research results of teachers with external influence are 3.63, 2.32, 2.45, 3.56, 3.34. i.e., the degree of influence of the educational research results of teachers with external influence on the school and outside of the school is much greater than the degree of influence on the classroom team and grade team.

Self-Evaluation as a Form of Reflective Practice in the Practicum

This research aims to explore the content of the reflection that pre-service EFL teachers are engaged in their self-evaluation reports during the practicum process at a public university teacher education program. So far, most reflection research in teacher education has concentrated on the levels of reflection pre-service teachers are involved in. Against this backdrop, we analyzed self-evaluation reports that the participant teachers wrote after three teaching tasks in the practicum. In general, the findings suggest that the pre-service EFL teachers reflected mostly on the instructional processes. The other areas they considered in their self-evaluations were learner motivation and engagement, their self as a teacher and classroom management. The findings also demonstrate that there is a change in the focus regarding the self as a teacher during the practicum. We conclude that examining the content of reflection has the potential to guide and inform practicum regarding the areas to reflect on through various tasks. 
 Keywords: reflective practice, self-evaluation, practicum, pre-service teachers, English as a foreign language

Pushing crisis response towards sustainable transformation? Reflections from a case analysis of crisis-framed policy actions on teacher education in three European settings

ABSTRACT This paper explores the mobilisation of crisis response and related rhetoric in contemporary European teacher education. Using a critical vertical case analysis of illustrative national, regional, and institutional crisis-mediation settings (Switzerland, Germany, Ireland), we examine how crisis-informed policy response addresses global challenges like teacher shortages and digitalization. Employing an assemblage approach, we foreground how such responses exemplify moves to rethink, remake and redesign teacher education systems and programmes. Our discussions underscore the potential and the problematic aspects of crisis-based policy action to reshape teacher education and emphasize the role of universities and administrative institutions in fostering sustainable change. The study reveals particularly the influence of local contexts and cultures in shaping policy solutions and the dangers of excluding key actors within university teacher education from these conversations and actions. This discussion aims to inspire innovative and culturally-responsive transformations in teacher education practices and policies within Europe, and beyond.

Challenges and Emerging Perspectives of Quality Assurance and Teacher Education in Nigerian Universities: A Literature Review

Abstract Education plays a critical role in the effective pursuit and attainment of overall growth and technological advancement of any country. Thus, if Nigeria as a nation is to achieve competitive growth and technological advancement, the quality and type of her educational system must not only be right but also carefully sustained. If an improved quality of education in the country must be attained and sustained, the quality of her teacher education must be equally enhanced. The quest, therefore, for a sustained high-quality teacher education in Nigeria will not yield positive results; there is no corresponding functional and effective quality assurance (QA) and control mechanism in place. It is against this backdrop that this article reviewed QA mechanisms and approaches in place for the delivery of high-quality teacher education in Nigerian universities, the challenges, and emerging perspectives. It noted, however, that their functionality and productivity in terms of yielding the desirable impact were diminished by a myriad of challenges. The article then proposed an overhaul of the existing QA mechanisms while advocating that educational management and Nigerian authorities on teacher education must insist on acceptable standards and monitor performance to guarantee QA.

From procrastination to frustration—How delaying tasks can affect study satisfaction and dropout intentions over the course of university studies

Procrastination leads to obstructive consequences for students in higher education. Cross-sectional studies show that procrastination is positively associated with study dissatisfaction and students' intentions to drop out of their university degree program. However, the reciprocal effects between these variables throughout an entire university degree program are still equivocal. Drawing on a sample of N = 463 students enrolled in university teacher education and applying cross-lagged panel modelling, this is the first longitudinal study that provides evidence that procrastination leads to dissatisfaction while dissatisfaction leads to dropout intentions over the course of three years of studying, rather than the other way around. Our findings support the relevance for universities to implement effective intervention programs to help students reduce procrastination, improve their well-being, and decrease their intentions to drop out of their university degree program. Educational relevance statementThe most detrimental effects on higher education students' achievement-related behavior and well-being are due to their maladaptive learning strategies indicated by procrastination. The main goal of the present research was gaining deeper insights into the reciprocal relations between students' procrastination, study satisfaction, and dropout intentions in higher education. It should be noted that the reciprocal effects between these variables throughout an entire university degree program are still equivocal. In this study, we examined individual differences in the longitudinal and possibly reciprocal associations between procrastination, study satisfaction, and dropout intentions over the course of three years of university education. This is the first longitudinal investigation that provides evidence for the hypotheses suggesting that procrastination leads to dissatisfaction while dissatisfaction leads to dropout intentions over time, rather than the other way around. Our findings have practical implications for implementing prevention and intervention programs at universities that can assist students in decreasing procrastination, improving their well-being, and reducing their intentions to drop out of their university degree program.

The Perils and Strains of Teaching Race and Racism to Predominantly White Teacher Candidates

This paper examines the overt and covert racism Black professors experience within the context of mainstream university teacher education programs. Informed by literature from Canadian sources and the authors’ personal experiences, the paper challenges the perception that Canadian postsecondary teacher education is amenable to honest, open and civil debates regarding racism. The common view of Canada as an inclusive and welcoming society needs re-examining given the degree of resistance encountered by racialized professors while teaching controversial topics, including racism and antiracism. A call is made for teacher education programs to revamp their curricula and to embed critical race and antiracist literature in all courses, in addition to recruiting, mentoring and retaining Black professors, senior administrators, staff and students.

필리핀 교원양성대학의 세계시민교육 사례 연구

This study analyzes the case of global citizenship education (GCED) in teacher education colleges in the Philippines and draws out its features to find implications for GCED in teacher education colleges. To this end, Philippine Normal University (PNU), a leading participant in GCED in the Philippines, was selected and analyzed in terms of the program’s purpose and background, curriculum and research, and management system. Analysis shows that the PNU has been actively engaged in GCED based on its historical background in women and human rights studies. The PNU's GCED program mainly adopted the concept of GCED presented by UNESCO while emphasizing the behavioral dimension. This case demonstrates that the areas of GCED to which teacher education colleges can contribute are diverse, encompassing pre-service and in-service teacher education and research. Teacher education colleges can play a leading role in expanding GCED in a country through their active engagement in the agenda demonstrated by institutional leadership and collaboration with international organizations.

포디프레임을 활용한 중심지 이론 모델링 활동의 교육적 효과 및 인식에 미치는 영향

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a model and modeling-based educational program among pre-service teachers and their perceptions of the effectiveness of themodeling-based teaching program.
 Methods: A total of 46 pre-service teachers majoring in Geography Education at a teacher education university participated in the study. Twenty students in the experimental group were given a three-week program regarding the central place theory based on models and modeling, and their understanding of the central place theory was analyzed through a t-test. The questionnaire on the perception of the effectiveness of the program was analyzed through descriptive statistics and iterative reading.
 Results: The results indicated that the experimental group had a statistically significantly higher level of understanding than the control group. These pre-service teachers also expressed an overall positive perception of the program in terms of flow, evaluation of the program, satisfaction, and aestheticand embodied cognition. Regarding the pedagogical effectiveness of the educational program, they recognized an enhanced level of understanding, focus and engagement.
 Conclusion: This research found that there should be more educational programs based on models and modeling with 4Dframe that would help pre-service teachers understand complex concepts through physical manipulation.

EXPLORING PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS’ BELIEFS ABOUT THE ROLE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION IN GHANA

The role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education has been well-documented in developed societies. However, the phenomenon has received little attention in developing countries such as Ghana. This study examined pre-service teachers from one of the teacher education universities in Ghana beliefs about the role of artificial intelligence in higher education. This study employed the quantitative descriptive design to obtain data from a convenience sample of 231 pre-service teachers. The study revealed that the majority of the pre-service teachers are very much aware of AI systems and that using AI-related systems will have a positive effect on pre-service teachers’ performance and that AI has the potential to replace teacher’s absence. Further, the majority of the respondents indicated that AI is relevant as it provides new ways of attaining distinction in teaching and learning. On the contrary, it was discovered that the majority of the pre-service teachers indicated that they feel anxious when it comes to using AI-related systems in learning. It is therefore recommended that more training and support systems be put in place to help and support pre-service teachers when using AI systems during teaching and learning during the post-pandemic era.

“Homegrown” Latinx educator pathways: the challenges and possibilities for early childhood teacher education

ABSTRACTThis study highlights a critical case that can serve as a programmatic and conceptual model for institutional partnerships seeking to diversify the early childhood education (ECE) teaching profession with “homegrown” Latinx teachers. The case study explored the experiences of Latinx students in an ECE program at a regional, public 4-year university who participated in a Grow Your Own (GYO) program at their high schools and/or local community college. The student-centered qualitative case study addressed: What obstacles have GYO Latinx teacher candidates experienced as they transferred to a 4-year university teacher education program? What can we learn about how they made sense of and responded to these challenges for improving the way in which early childhood teacher education programs might extend and transform GYO initiatives at the university level to support the retention and continued success of Latinx teacher candidates? Using a combination of interviews and focus groups, and Latinx Critical Theory, this study demonstrated that once at the university, GYO Latinx students struggled with increased financial strain, entrance requirements into teacher education, and commuting. Stressed across the interviews was the importance of building a critical learning community, in which relationships could be nurtured in culturally sustaining and place-based ways.

Examining Chinese University EFL Teachers’ Perceptions and Participation in an Academic Salon-Based Professional Learning Community

Abstract In the last three decades, Professional learning communities (PLCs) have spread rapidly in different countries and contexts. While much is known about PLCs’ potential to enhance teachers’ professional learning, less is known about factors influencing teachers’ sustained participation and the process concerning how PLC was built at an early stage, especially in higher education in China. This study, conducted at the School of Foreign Languages in a key teacher education university in China, examined 17 university EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teachers’ perceptions of the value of academic salon-based PLC and the factors influencing their participation. Drawing on data from semi-structured interviews, the results showed that most participants embraced and appreciated the significant role of salon-based PLC in breaking a sense of isolation, enriching general knowledge in research and publication, and enhancing beliefs of the significance of research in professional development. However, how salons were implemented hindered teachers’ sustained participation. Factors at the individual level (i. e., low motivation, heavy workload, etc.) and the institutional level (i.e., non-collaborative culture, hierarchy, etc.) also exerted great influence on teachers’ sustained engagement. Implications for university teachers’ development in the context of PLCs were discussed.

Enhancing students' pedagogical potential with practice-oriented courses in teacher education universities

The main aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the course designed by the author, which focuses on practical application, in improving students' pedagogical skills. Furthermore, the research aims to identify the challenges faced by teacher education institutions in this context and examine the mechanisms involved in improving pedagogical capabilities. The evaluation of students' instructional capacity is conducted through the utilization of both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The Mann-Whitney U-test statistical test was used to confirm that the data conformed to the normal distribution law. The research encompassed a sample of 51 students from Zhetysu University, specifically named after I. Zhansugurov, located in Kazakhstan. The results showed that the conditions for supporting the pedagogical potential of students are not sufficiently created at the university. This demonstrated the necessity of the upcoming tasks, which included the introduction of the author's practice-oriented course and the development of pedagogical environments for the preparation of future educators to enhance their pedagogical potential. Finally, higher education policy experts in Kazakhstan might employ "practice-oriented courses" and pedagogical settings to improve the pedagogical expertise of future educators in pedagogical universities.

Place as Teacher: Community-Based Experiences, Third Spaces, & Teacher Education

ABSTRACT This study focuses on the systematic collective reflections of four teacher educators as they interrogate their own practice engaging in community-based settings, specifically considering how these settings can serve as an additional teacher. It is informed by a theory that centers educational experiences within the community and is guided by Gutiérrez’s use of the concept of third space. Connected to third spaces, the results of this study reveal that traditional PK-12 settings serve as the first spaces, the university teacher education programs as the second spaces, and the community-based settings as third spaces. Results showcase how these third spaces can be transformative for teacher educators as they consider preservice teachers’ learning. Findings are drawn from a 2-year collective self-study of four teacher educators facilitating community-based field experiences in the United States and Canada. Analysis of the teacher educator reflections of their observations revealed the transformative ways in which these community-based places, as separate and unique constructs, acted as a teacher for preservice teachers when working in community-based settings. This study presents arguments for integrating community-based field experiences within teacher education, particularly as such places can support and facilitate preservice teachers’ learning.

Between a rock and a hard place: leading university teacher education in England

ABSTRACT Processes of market-making and regulation are recalibrating the work of teacher education. While an established body of research has examined changes to the content and control of teacher education in the UK and internationally, the impact of audit-based accountability on the work of academic leaders is neglected. This study explores the career transitions, experiences and commitments of leaders in professional education at a time of jurisdictional challenge. Drawing on interviews with Heads of Department of 10 large-scale university providers of pre-service teacher education in England, the analysis addresses the impact of multiple accountabilities on professional agency, identity and efficacy. The study finds participants’ need to demonstrate compliance with policy directives in a highly volatile operating context diminishes possibilities for critically reflexive leadership practice and policy activism.

Is the past prologue? Part 1: a qualitative analysis of PDS dissertation research focused on learning

PurposeThis study provides an analysis of professional development school (PDS) dissertation research that focuses on learning in PDSs. These 103 dissertations written between 1990 and 2020 address an aspect of learning in PDS work, including inquiry as a pedagogical learning tool, student learning PK-12, intern/teacher candidate learning, university teacher educator learning, and inservice teacher learning. From the current exploration of PDS dissertations, most especially from the comparison studies, the authors have learned that there is still no clear path to presenting PDS as having a positive impact when compared with non-PDS experiences..Design/methodology/approachWithin each of these categories, the authors examine the dissertations by methodology and explore common themes among dissertation findings. As the PDS movement enters its third decade of inquiry and builds its efficacy on models of learning, the findings provide insight into the degree to which PDS scholars are building on the past to determine future PDS research agendas around learning.FindingsThe authors examine the dissertations by methodology and explore common themes among dissertation findings. The themes included: intern learning does happen in PDS sites; PDSs provide structures for intern learning; teacher educators can learn from their PDS work; dissertations in the area of student learning overwhelmingly had inconclusive findings, except for research that focused on targeted interventions, which demonstrated student gains.Research limitations/implicationsWith fewer PDS-focused dissertations being written in more recent years, the authors wonder if the complexity of PDS may be a deterrent to the growth and sustainability of this model?Practical implicationsFrom the current exploration of PDS dissertations, most especially from the comparison studies, the authors have learned that the authors still do not have a clear path to presenting PDS as having a positive impact when compared with non-PDS experiences. However, the authors are beginning to understand the types of studies that are needed to move this agenda forward and hope the work will help inform the PDS community of some.Originality/valueThis is the first known study of PDS dissertations across time.

“Writin’ain’t my thang”: creating high school student writers with ongoing support through an urban school–teacher education partnership

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of a year-long writing intervention located in an urban high school in partnership with a university teacher education professor and the students. The goals were as follows: to increase student self-efficacy about writing overall; to increase the number of students who successfully improve scores on writing assessments; and to increase ACT exam scores, making students more qualified candidates for college admission.Design/methodology/approachThe main method used for the research is a quantitative longitudinal study method, which involves collecting from each student, at pre-intervention and post-intervention, a writing sample. There are 54 students in the study.FindingsFindings showed an increase in student proficiency overall, with an increase of 0.53 holistically. Effective writing instruction asks students to write often to develop their writing will and skill. There are many more factors beyond the teaching of “ACT prep” writing skills that must be considered, particularly when teaching marginalized groups. This study found that the following are important: building and sustaining positive rapport; using their language as part of the learning process; creating space for students to write regularly; writing on a variety of topics; reflecting on and monitoring their writing; and receiving timely and targeted feedback.Originality/valueThis paper discusses the impact of the writing intervention and describes the practices that were a part of the intervention for marginalized students in an urban school to increase their writing scores.

Impact and Applicability of the Teaching Portfolio in the Improvement of university Academic Quality: A Theoretical Review

This study offers an exhaustive theoretical review on the use of the teaching portfolio as a tool for reflection and evaluation in university teacher education. Through a meticulous documentary survey, a historical panorama is traced that covers the origins, foundations and the duality of perceptions about its usefulness and limitations from the point of view of teachers and students. The research aims to enrich the educational literary corpus and to serve as a valuable pedagogical resource for the continuous improvement of teaching practice. Using a qualitative methodology based on documentary analysis, this paper highlights the advantages of the teaching portfolio and underlines the need for future research focused on its specific implementation in the Colombian context. The objective is to direct teaching practice towards a reflective and self-critical approach, theoretically and scientifically grounded, to optimize the fulfillment of institutional academic objectives.

Towards a context-relevant, institution-based ICT integration model of teacher education curriculum at diploma level in Zimbabwe

21st Century requirements for teaching and learning, driven by ICT advancements have opened doors for the development of models to guide and enhance ICT integration. Some countries have adopted international models and others have adapted them to suit their own environments. Zimbabwe still remains silent on what model it is using as there is no clear framework (policy related to ICT in education). In this paper, the authors focus on the Zimbabwean teacher education landscape in the absence of neither a distinct localised model nor an international one. Using literature review, document analysis and reviews of a proposed model, by six teacher educators from three secondary school teacher education colleges in Zimbabwe (carried out through semi structured interviews) this paper seeks to propose a framework for the integration of ICTs in teacher education curriculum. Drawing from literature around the Zimbabwean ICT landscape and its ICT policy framework, models proposed in the broader African and global contexts, we argue for a context-relevant and institution-based model of ICT integration for the teacher education curriculum in Zimbabwe. This proposed model privileges the localised contextual issues and takes a critical view of models which assume similarity of conditions across countries and institutions. Moreover, the model has relevance for ICT integration in the teacher education programmes of countries facing political and socio-economic challenges similar to those which Zimbabwe is facing.