Enhancing Preservice Teachers' Confidence and Efficacy in Computer Science

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Author(s): Yune Tran (Montclair State University, USA)
Copyright: 2020
Pages: 19
Source title: Handbook of Research on Integrating Computer Science and Computational Thinking in K-12 Education
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Jared Keengwe (University of North Dakota, USA)and Patrick Wachira (Cleveland State University, USA)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-7998-1479-5.ch009

Keywords: Education / Educational Technologies / Information Science Reference / K-12 Education

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Abstract

The growing demand for digital literacy, computer science (CS), and computational thinking (CT) has taken traction in U.S. schools. The emphasis on teaching these skills in the classroom demands teachers who are prepared to teach such content and skills. However, there has been limited research on preservice teacher self-efficacy for teaching CS to elementary-aged students even though a body of research related to teacher efficacy has supported positive changes in student learning. The purpose of the mixed-method research was to examine over 30 preservice teachers' self-efficacy in teaching CS lessons to elementary-aged students. Findings included improved efficacy, confidence, and positive perceptions about teaching CS from pre-to post-test surveys, focus-group interviews, and written reflections. Three prominent topics emerged from qualitative data and consisted of: (1) lack of familiarity of concepts caused nervousness; (2) peer and content support to ease implementation; (3) developing enthusiasm of the content through multiple exposures.

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Enhancing Preservice Teachers' Confidence and Efficacy in Computer Science

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