ERIC Number: EJ1449193
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 37
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0263-5143
EISSN: EISSN-1470-1138
Preparation of Preschool Teachers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Online Professional Development Program in STEM Education
Research in Science & Technological Education, v42 n4 p1129-1165 2024
Background: This study investigated how an online professional development program (OPDPs) affected preschool teachers' STEM teaching competence, what technological tools and materials they used during STEM education after the program, and what they thought about OPDPs. Purpose: This study aimed to focus on all dimensions of the effects of OPDPs on the professional development of preschool teachers in STEM education. Sample: The sample consisted of 41 public or private school preschool teachers (33 women and eight men) with different experiences. Design and method: Participants were recruited using purposive criterion sampling. The study adopted a mixed embedded design. Quantitative data were analyzed using paired sample t-test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and effect size. The qualitative data were analyzed using inductive content analysis. Lesson plans were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The program help participants develop the competence to deliver STEM classes. It also helped them positive attitudes toward OPDPs. After the program, participants used more tools and materials (technological materials, daily-life materials, computer-free coding materials, Lego sets, etc.) in their lectures. Recommendations were made based on the results.
Descriptors: Faculty Development, Online Courses, Preschool Teachers, Program Effectiveness, STEM Education, Teacher Competencies, Educational Technology, Technology Uses in Education, Teacher Attitudes, Technology Integration, Self Efficacy, COVID-19, Pandemics, Kindergarten, Foreign Countries
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Early Childhood Education; Preschool Education; Elementary Education; Kindergarten; Primary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Turkey
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A