Connecting Theory and Practice in Pre-Service Early Childhood Teacher Education Programs

Authors : Gülsen ÜNVER

Pages : 243-264

Doi:10.14812/cuefd.283345

View : 21 | Download : 9

Publication Date : 2016-09-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :In this study, we aimed to improve the levels of teacher candidates’ sense of teaching efficacy and their attitudes toward teaching. We used non-equivalent control group design with 17 teacher candidates in control group and 23 teacher candidates in experimental group. Different from the control group, we adopted the theory-practice connection as a principle in the experimental group; and we integrated the two methods courses and field experiences. The results of the analysis of covariance revealed that theory-practice connection had a statistically significant effect on the attitude toward teaching but not on the sense of teaching efficacy. Among the strengths of the treatment are structured observations; and being low-cost. Consequently, we recommend that teacher educators should compensate for the limitations of the present study and carry out similar studies.
Keywords : Pre service teacher education, Connecting theory and practice, Sense of teaching efficacy, Attitude toward teaching