THE PEDAGOGICAL CONTENT KNOWLEDGE (PCK) OF ICT TRAINEE TEACHERS FROM THE AT20 IT EDUCATION PROGRAM
S. Sarkawi
Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (MALAYSIA)
The Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) of ICT trainee teachers from the AT20 IT Education Program at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Malaysia were investigated based on their knowledge about pupils and learning, knowledge on the ICT curriculum, and knowledge on teaching ICT strategy while they were undergoing their practical trainings in Malaysian Secondary Schools. Eight trainee teachers participated in the study. Data were collected using semi structured interviews, observation notes, and lesson plan documents. Analysis of data showed that trainee teachers have limited knowledge of pupils and learning including learning styles, the abilities and advantages of pupils learning ICT, difficult topics for the pupils to learn and the reasons behind it but the trainee teachers lack knowledge on the pupils’ misinterpretation of concepts. Even though the trainee teachers could not clearly explain the goal and the objective of teaching ICT which is related to the Malaysian National Education Philosophy, their teachings were always based on the learning outcomes stated in the ICT syllabus. They have the knowledge of the ICT syllabus with a good command of most of the topics in the syllabus. The trainee teachers have basic knowledge on teaching strategies, managing lesson time slots, choosing teaching materials, choosing strategies, and controlling classes. The research also found that there is no clear difference between experienced trainee teachers, who taught in primary schools, with those without teaching experience. Action to restructure the AT20 program should focus on efforts to improve trainee teacher’s PCK by enhancing hands-on skills and emotional PCK especially in managing instruction for Chinese students by non-Chinese teachers.