The teaching profession depends on skills and professional competencies, which can be summarised under the term professional competence. Professional competencies entitle the teacher to perform skilled activities as teachers. In the present study, we investigated which cognitive skills support better development of professional competencies. The main aim of the study was to examine the relationship between teachers' professional competencies and their cognitive abilities. A total of 591 teachers aged 20 - 72 years (M=43.56, SD =10.92) participated in the study. Teachers' professional competencies were measured using the Teacher Interaction Questionnaire, the Slovak Teaching Style Questionnaire, and the Didactic Competencies Questionnaire. Cognitive abilities were measured as critical thinking disposition (using the Critical Thinking Disposition Scale), scientific trust (using the Credibility of Science Scale), and psychological misconceptions (using the Psychological Information Questionnaire). Results (controlled for age and practise) showed positive relationships between critical thinking disposition and the interaction styles of leadership, helpfulness, understanding, and student-teacher responsibility (r= .382 - .502), alongside with didactic competencies (planning and preparation, realisation, classroom climate, diagnosis and evaluation, and self-reflection; r= .410 - .731) and with managerial and supporting teaching styles (r= .404 - .709). There were no associations with scientific trust or psychological misconceptions. The findings suggest the importance of supporting the development of critical thinking during undergraduate teacher education to promote the development of professional competencies.

Authors:
Eva Ballová Mikušková, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Slovakia
Marcela Verešová, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Slovakia

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Eva Ballová Mikušková is a University Assistant Professor/Lecturer at Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra in Slovakia

See this presentation on the full schedule – Wednesday Schedule

Bookmark