The Pedagogical Beliefs of Pre-Service and In-Service Teachers

Abstract

The Teacher Self Inventory is an instrument for measuring aspects of teachers' beliefs and self-perceptions. Using this instrument, the perceptions and beliefs of elementary classroom teachers and pre-service (undergraduate) teachers were assessed. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted with volunteers from both the in-service and pre-service groups. The main goal of this mixed-methods study was to explore various dimensions of teachers' beliefs and also to compare practicing (in-service) elementary classroom teachers' responses and reflections to those of pre-service teachers. The results indicate several trends in teacher beliefs and several points of comparison between in-service teachers and pre-service teachers. A discussion concludes with implications for teaching and suggestions for further research.