Typical Practise and Beliefs on Data Usage According to Teachers and Teacher Trainees

Abstract

Systematically collected, analysed, and pedagogically usable student data are gaining increasing importance in in-service teacher’s work. The available data enable their widespread use to improve teaching and student outcomes in schools (Pitsia et al., 2021). Mastering the effective use of data begins in teacher education and deepens continuously throughout the teaching career. Nevertheless, we know little about in-service teachers’ or pre-service teachers’ view on data usage (Cowie & Cooper, 2019; Mandinach & Gummer, 2012, 2013). Our research aims to understand the beliefs of teachers and teacher candidates towards data usage. Qualitative methods was used to analyse responses to open-ended questions related to data usage from in-service teachers (N=270) and pre-service teachers (N=221). Results show that both groups use student-centred approach when setting teaching goals, paying special attention to students’ individual abilities and needs. Teachers flexibly adapt to different student situations and employ goal-oriented teaching strategies. They also constructively engage with assessment and provide continuous feedback to both students and themselves. Additionally, findings indicate that teacher candidates would rely more on data during teaching-learning processes, while experienced teachers use student data to determine progress directions and support their observations. Overall, the extent and manner of data usage differ between in-service teachers and pre-service teachers, illustrating the differences in professional experience between the groups. However, our results also highlight which areas of data usage are acquired during teacher education and which are developed during their professional careers. The present research results can contribute to the development of teacher education and everyday pedagogy practise related to data usage, thereby grounding the work and professional decisions of (early career) teachers more effectively.