Measuring Motivation for Online Teaching in Pre-Service Teachers: Examining the Pilot Results of the PST-OTMS
Concurrent Session 1
Brief Abstract
With the increased prevalence of virtual instruction in K-12 classrooms, colleges of education seek ways to develop pre-service teachers (PSTs) who can effectively deliver technology-based instruction. This session will explore how assessing the motivations of PSTs can aid in their development and success. The discussion will include the pilot results of the Pre-Service Teacher-Online Teaching Motivation Scale (PST-OTMS) and its potential impact.
Presenters
Extended Abstract
K-12 trends have shifted towards incorporating blended and online learning into traditional brick-and-mortar classrooms. Although similar trends were evident pre-pandemic, the pandemic accelerated the process for many school districts. Now, school districts continue to require blended and online teaching components (Smart et al., 2021). The quick transition revealed gaps in teacher preparedness for online teaching and motivated colleges of education (COEs) to better equip pre-service teachers (PSTs) for blended and online teaching environments. Previous research indicates strong connections between motivation and teaching effectiveness (Smart & Linder, 2018; DiPerna, Volpe, & Elliott, 2005; DiPerna & Elliott, 1999; Whang & Hancock, 1994). As COEs work to better prepare PSTs to deliver quality online instruction, a critical part of the equation may be understanding how to better support and instill in PSTs positive motivating factors toward online teaching. Therefore, learning how to measure and further explore motivating factors may become a critical focus of teacher preparation programs that prepare PSTs for the increasing prevalence of technology-driven delivery modes. Our previous research with in-service teachers has shown that when teachers have positive beliefs and perceptions about online learning, their confidence in teaching online is higher (Smart et al., 2021). Although PST needs may be quite different from those of in-service teachers, alignment in construct associations has shown for PSTs as well. To provide insight into what motivates PSTs to teach online, our research team developed the Pre-Service Teachers Online Teaching Motivation Scale (PST-OTMS) to measure PSTs motivation for online teaching. Our findings show that positive beliefs and perceptions about online learning, as well as administrative support, increase teacher confidence in online teaching. This session will cover the development and initial pilot study results of the PST-OTMS and its use in better understanding the motivations of pre-service teachers toward teaching online. Presenters will seek additional feedback from participants about possible additions to the scale and how the PST-OTMS might be used in their contexts.
Session Objectives:
- Provide a foundation for the reasoning behind the development of the PST-OTMS
- Explain the process of development of the PST-OTMS instrument
- Investigate the results from the initial pilot study
- Discuss possible additions to the PST-OTMS