Improving the Performance of Pre-Service Teachers in Genetics Through an Interactive Software

Abstract

Abstract

          This research aimed to improve the performance of pre-service 
teachers in Genetics and develop their TPACK (Technological, Pedagogical, and Content Knowledge) confidence level using an interactive software. The one-group pretest-posttest experimental design was used to examine the Pre-service teachersí TPACK and to test the effectiveness of a validated interactive software. Twenty-seven pre-service teachers served as the respondents for the study. The quantitative data was collected using the two instruments as pre and posttests, namely the TPACK in Science Survey 
developed by Graham, Burgoyne, Smith, St Calir & Harris. (2009) and 
a validated 30 ñ item pretest/posttest on Genetics concepts. Based on the findings of the study, there was significant improvement between pre and post scores on all of the TPACK constructs and results indicate a significant increase for all constructs. Likewise, there was a significant increase in the scores in posttest. It implies that the interactive software is effective in improving the performance of the preservice teachers in Genetics. Based on the findings, it is recommended that pre-service teachers be trained more on Genetics concepts and the use of computer in teaching the subject. Also, the interactive lesson can be utilized to increase the TPACK confidence level and performance of pre-service teachers.