Research Article

Relationships Between STEM-TPACK Self-Efficacy Components: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach in Türkiye Sample

Number: 66 December 29, 2025
EN TR

Relationships Between STEM-TPACK Self-Efficacy Components: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach in Türkiye Sample

Abstract

In the 21st century, integrated STEM (iSTEM) education stands out as one of the effective pedagogical approaches to advancing educational outcomes. However, in practice, one or more components of STEM are often neglected, and teachers frequently encounter challenges - particularly in implementing technology-based design. This study aims to examine the predictive relationships among STEM self-efficacy components of pre-service teachers within the theoretical framework of Technology Pedagogy and Content Knowledge (TPACK). A total of 386 pre-service teachers participated in the study. Data was collected with the STEM-TPACK self-efficacy scale and analyzed through structural equation modeling. The findings revealed that pre-service teachers' iSTEM self-efficacy levels were significantly predicted by their self-efficacy in Technology Pedagogy Engineering Knowledge (TPEK), Technology Pedagogy Science Knowledge (TPSK) and Technology Pedagogy Mathematics Knowledge (TPMK) self-efficacy. Among these, TPEK self-efficacy was identified as the strongest predictor of iSTEM self-efficacy, while TPMK self-efficacy exhibited an indirect effect. As a result, TPSK and TPMB self-efficacy positively and strongly predicted TPEK self-efficacy, and all three components positively and strongly predicted iSTEM self-efficacy. These results highlight the importance of integrating experiences that enhance TPEK, TPSK, and TPMK self-efficacy into teacher education programs to effectively foster iSTEM competencies.

Keywords

Engineering , mathematics , science , self-efficacy , STEM , pedagogy , technology , TPACK.

References

  1. Açışlı Çelik, S. (2022). STEM etkinliklerinin ortaokul 6. sınıf öğrencilerinin problem çözme becerilerine, eleştirel düşünmelerine ve STEM’e yönelik tutumlarına etkisinin araştırılması. Pamukkale Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 56, 287-313. DOI: 10.9779.pauefd.1054678
  2. Aktaş, İ., Gökoğlu, S., Turgut, Y. E., & Karal, H. (2014). Öğretmenlerin FATİH Projesine yönelik görüşleri: Farkındalık, öngörü ve beklentiler. Necatibey Eğitim Fakültesi Elektronik Fen ve Matematik Eğitimi Dergisi, 8(1), 257-286.
  3. Aktaş, İ., & Özmen, H. (2020). Investigating the impact of TPACK development course on pre-service science teachers’ performances. Asia Pacific Education Review, 21, 667-682. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12564-020-09653-x
  4. Aktaş, İ., & Özmen, H. (2022). Assessing the performance of Turkish science pre‑service teachers in a TPACK‑practical course. Education and Information Technologies, 27, 3495-3528. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-021-10757-z
  5. Aktaş, İ., & Özmen, H. (2024). STEM-TPAB öz-yeterlik ölçeği: Türkçeye uyarlama çalışması. Uludağ Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 37(2), 798-829. https://doi.org/10.19171/uefad.1480921
  6. Angeli, C., & Valanides, N. (2009). Epistemological and methodological issues for the conceptualization, development, and assessment of ICT-TPCK: Advances in technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPCK). Computers & Education, 52, 154-168.
  7. Bandura, A. (1982). Self-efficacy mechanism in human agency. American Psychologist, 37, 122-147.
  8. Bartels, S. L., Rupe, K. M., & Lederman, J. S. (2019). Shaping preservice teachers’ understandings of STEM: A collaborative math and science methods approach. Journal of Science Teacher Education, 30(6), 666-680. https://doi.org/10.1080/1046560X.2019.1602803
  9. Bybee, R. W. (2013). The case for STEM education: Challenges and opportunities. Arlington, VA: NSTA Press.
  10. Chai, C. S. (2019). Teacher professional development for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education: A Review from the perspectives of technological pedagogical content (TPACK). The Asia-Pacific Education Researcher, 28(1), 5-13. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40299-018-0400-7
APA
Aktaş, İ., & Özmen, H. (2025). STEM-TPAB Öz-Yeterlik Bileşenleri Arasındaki İlişkiler: Türkiye Örnekleminde Yapısal Eşitlik Modellemesi Yaklaşımı. Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi Buca Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 66, 4232-4255. https://doi.org/10.53444/deubefd.1731683