The Development of a Model for Enhancing Research Competencies in the Classroom of Student Teachers

The objectives of the study were to 1) analyze the components and indicators for enhancing classroom research competencies of student teachers, 2) study the needs of developing classroom research competencies of the student teachers, 3) to create a model for enhancing research competencies in the classroom, 4) apply the form of a model for enhancing research competencies in the classroom of student teachers and 5) evaluate the model for enhancing research competencies in the classroom. The sample group consisted of student teachers, mentors, and experts. The instruments used in the research were: 1) a questionnaire on current conditions and desirable conditions for developing research competencies in the classroom, 2) a questionnaire on the components and indicators of research competencies in the classroom of the student teachers, 3) an assessment form for appropriateness and possibility of the model, 4) research knowledge test, 5) assessment form for research practice, 6) research mind test and 7) assessment form for opinions towards the use of the model. Statistics used in data analysis were percentage, mean, standard deviation, and data analysis by Priority Needs Index Modified (PNImodified) and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). The results of the study were as follows: 1) Components and indicators of research competencies in the classroom of student teachers were classified into 3 components and 71 indicators as follows: Component 1: Cognitive, there were 24 indicators, the eigenvalue was 4.69; Component 2: Research practice, there were 30 indicators, the eigenvalue was 45.13; Component 3: research mind, there were 17 indicators, the eigenvalue was 1.91. 2) The results of the assessment of the needs of research competencies in the classroom of the student teachers by Priority Needs Index Modified (PNImodified) revealed that the most needed competencies were cognitive (0.179), followed by research practice skills (0.178) and research mind (0.127), respectively. 3) The model for enhancing research competencies in the classroom of student teachers was conducted with the research practice of student teachers. There were 5 steps to develop according to the established method: self-awareness, motivation, intimation, learning, and evaluation. 4) The results of the experimental model of enhancing research competencies in the classroom of the student teachers revealed that they had a good understanding at 76.30%, and the overall classroom research practice was at a high level (X̅ = 3.99, S.D. = .589), and the overall research mind was at a high level (X̅ = 4.15, S.D. = .863). 5) The evaluation results of the model for enhancing research competencies in the classroom of the student teachers, overall were at a high level (X̅ = 4.28, S.D. = .663).