An introduction to education research methods: exploring the learning journey of pre-service teachers in a transnational programme

Abstract

Internationally there is interest in developing the research skills of pre-service teachers as a means of ongoing professional renewal with a distinct need for systematic and longitudinal investigation of student learning. The current study takes a unique perspective by exploring the research learning journey of pre-service teachers participating in a transnational degree programme. Using a case-study design that includes both a self-reported and direct measure of research knowledge, the results indicate a progression in learning, as well as evidence that this research knowledge is continued or maintained when the pre-service teachers return to their home university. The findings of this study have implications for both pre-service teacher research training and transnational programmes.

Keywords:

• pre-service teachers
• research training
• transnational programmes

Acknowledgements

We thank the students in this transnational programme for their engagement and participation in this research.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sonia White

Sonia White is Senior Lecturer in the School of Early Childhood and programme leader within the Children and Youth Research Centre at Queensland University of Technology.

Erika Hepple

Erika Hepple’s research and teaching centre on international teacher education, promoting collaborative pedagogies in her role as an academic coordinator of a transnational twinning programme.

Donna Tangen

Donna Tangen’s interest areas include engaging diverse learners, transnational/international teaching and teacher training, and issues pertaining to inclusive education

Marlana Comelli

Marlana Comelli was a research assistant working on this project, while completing her undergraduate study. Marlana is now a full-time teacher.

Amyzar Alwi

Amyzar Alwi is a teacher trainer with 20 years of experience in transnational B.Ed. TESL projects in particular project management, curriculum development, and programme evaluation.

Zaira Abu Hassan Shaari

Zaira Abu Hassan Shaari is a teacher trainer, who has been involved in the training of pre-service and in-service teachers in various teacher education programmes.