TPACK Self-Efficacy Perceptions of Science Teachers: A Structural Equation Modeling Study

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to reveal the relation between Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) sub-dimensions of science teachers in Turkey. For this purpose, relations between the elements forming the TPACK have been investigated with a model. This research was carried out with 563 science teachers working in 81 schools to represent science teachers in Turkey. The scale developed by Kiray (2016a) to measure TPACK self-efficacy perceptions of teachers and teacher candidates was used as data collection tool in the research. The data obtained in the study were analyzed by structural equation modeling. The direct and positive effects of Technological Content Knowledge (TCK), Technological Pedagogical Knowledge (TPK) and Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) from external variables consisting of binary knowledge domains of the study are seen on TPACK. These variables account for 65% of the change in TPACK. PCK is the variable that affects TPACK the most. According to this finding, PCK has a critical importance in teachers' technology integration. Another important finding in this study is that teachers' CK directly and positively influences TCK and PCK, and this effect is greater than the effect of TK and PK. When considered in the context of the results of this research, a gradual model covering CK and PCK can be proposed instead of a direct technology-based approach to professional development programs developed to increase TPACK self-efficacy of teachers.