A Conceptual K-6 Teacher Competency Model for Teaching Engineering

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to develop a conceptual K-6 teacher competency model, which can be utilized in engineering professional development for in-service teachers who are novices in teaching engineering. Based on literature reviews on teacher competency models in general education as well as in engineering education, this study presents a conceptual K-6 teacher competency model for teaching engineering. This model encompasses the following seven dimensions: engineering concept knowledge; engineering skills; knowledge about engineering disciplines; engineering pedagogical content knowledge; attitudes toward engineering; attitudes toward teaching engineering; and integration of engineering with other subjects. The competencies falling within each of these seven dimensions are also identified. This study further proposes a subsequent model verification study using a Delphi method with four rounds of surveys.