• Abstract

    Knowledge of pedagogical content ensures that teachers not only have theoretical knowledge but also enabling teachers to adapt and facilitate meaningful learning experiences. Unfortunately, resources are limited, access to further professional development is restricted, and current teacher preparation is insufficient for PCK. This study is a bibliometric analysis of 75 articles on PCK of prospective science teachers published from 2016–2023. The articles were obtained from the Scopus database. The data then were analyzed using Bibliometrix R and VOSViewer. The findings show that the publication trend has increased. A total of 228 authors from 18 countries contributed to the publication. The three countries with the most publications are USA, Germany, and Turkey; Turkey has the highest international publication collaboration. With 122 citations, the Journal of Science Teacher Education published most of the articles and garnered the most citations. This study presents a global perspective on PCK of prospective science teachers and provides directions for future research. In general, the implementation of PCK still faces many challenges related to the need for more comprehensive teacher training programs and continuous professional development opportunities. The research trends of PCK have gradually evolved towards TPACK and practical strategies to help teachers implement technology-assisted teaching. The results indicate that collaboration among researchers is essential for advancing knowledge in this field, as seen in the increasing number of multi-country publications. The thematic evolution analysis also suggests that future research should focus on strengthening the connection between PCK, technological advancements, and innovative teaching strategies to enhance science teacher education. This study provides valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and researchers to refine curricula and optimize teacher training programs, ultimately improving the quality of science education worldwide.

  • References

    1. Akerson, V. L., Carter, I. S., Park Rogers, M. A., & Pongsanon, K. (2017). A Video-Based Measure of Preservice Teachers’ Abilities to Predict Elementary Students’ Scientific Reasoning. International Journal of Education in Mathematics, Science and Technology, 1(1), 1–1. https://doi.org/10.18404/ijemst.328335
    2. Akerson, V. L., Pongsanon, K., Park Rogers, M. A., Carter, I., & Galindo, E. (2017). Exploring the Use of Lesson Study to Develop Elementary Preservice Teachers’ Pedagogical Content Knowledge for Teaching Nature of Science. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 15(2), 293–312. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763-015-9690-x
    3. Andariana, A., Zubaidah, S., Mahanal, S., & Suarsini, E. (2020). Identification of Biology Students’ Misconceptions in Human Anatomy and Physiology Course Through Three-Tier Diagnostic Test. Journal for the Education of Gifted Young Scientists, 8(3), 1071–1085. https://doi.org/10.17478/JEGYS.752438
    4. Aria, M., & Cuccurullo, C. (2017). bibliometrix : An R-tool for comprehensive science mapping analysis. Journal of Informetrics, 11(4), 959–975. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joi.2017.08.007
    5. Babinčáková, M., & Bernard, P. (2020). Online Experimentation during COVID-19 Secondary School Closures: Teaching Methods and Student Perceptions. Journal of Chemical Education, 97(9), 3295–3300. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.0c00748
    6. Barenthien, J., Fiebranz, A., Todorova, M., Möller, K., & Steffensky, M. (2023). Development of professional vision and pedagogical content knowledge during initial teacher education. International Journal of Educational Research, 119, 102186. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2023.102186
    7. Cáceres-Jensen, L., Rodríguez-Becerra, J., Jorquera-Moreno, B., Escudey, M., Druker-Ibañez, S., Hernández-Ramos, J., Díaz-Arce, T., Pernaa, J., & Aksela, M. (2021). Learning Reaction Kinetics through Sustainable Chemistry of Herbicides: A Case Study of Preservice Chemistry Teachers’ Perceptions of Problem-Based Technology Enhanced Learning. Journal of Chemical Education, 98(5), 1571–1582. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.0c00557
    8. Chai, C. S., Rahmawati, Y., & Jong, M. S.-Y. (2020). Indonesian Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Preservice Teachers’ Experiences in STEM-TPACK Design-Based Learning. Sustainability, 12(21), 9050. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12219050
    9. Chaipidech, P., Srisawasdi, N., Kajornmanee, T., & Chaipah, K. (2022). A personalized learning system-supported professional training model for teachers’ TPACK development. Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence, 3, 100064. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2022.100064
    10. Ching, Y.-H., Yang, D., Baek, Y., & Baldwin, S. (2016). Enhancing Graduate Students’ Reflection in E-portfolios Using the TPACK Framework. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology . https://doi.org/10.14742/ajet.2830
    11. Class, B. (2023). Teaching research methods in education: using the TPACK framework to reflect on praxis. International Journal of Research & Method in Education, 1–21 . https://doi.org/10.1080/1743727X.2023.2270426
    12. Cobo-Huesa, C. (2021). Design-based research in initial teacher training for an integrated teaching of nature of science and critical thinking. Revista Eureka Sobre Enseñanza y Divulgación de Las Ciencias, 18(3), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.25267/Rev_Eureka_ensen_divulg_cienc.2021.v18.i3.3801
    13. Cofré, H., Vergara, C., Santibáñez, D., & Pavez, J. M. (2022). Preservice Science Teachers Education Around the Globe: Trends, Challenges, and Future Directions. In Handbook of Research on Science Teacher Education (pp. 163–177). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003098478-15
    14. Demirdöğen, B., Hanuscin, D. L., Uzuntiryaki-Kondakci, E., & Köseoğlu, F. (2016). Development and Nature of Preservice Chemistry Teachers’ Pedagogical Content Knowledge for Nature of Science. Research in Science Education, 46(4), 575–612. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11165-015-9472-z
    15. Donthu, N., Kumar, S., Mukherjee, D., Pandey, N., & Lim, W. M. (2021). How to conduct a bibliometric analysis: An overview and guidelines. Journal of Business Research, 133, 285–296. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2021.04.070
    16. Gómez, R., Mena, J., & Rodríguez, M.-L. G. (2020). Pedagogical Knowledge Acquisition During the Practicum. Journal of Information Technology Research, 13 (1), 118–129. https://doi.org/10.4018/JITR.2020010108
    17. Günther, S. L., Fleige, J., zu Belzen, A. U., & Krüger, D. (2019). Using the Case Method to Foster Preservice Biology Teachers’ Content Knowledge and Pedagogical Content Knowledge Related to Models and Modeling. Journal of Science Teacher Education, 30(4), 321–343. https://doi.org/10.1080/1046560X.2018.1560208
    18. Hartadiyati, E., Wiyanto, Rusilowati, A., & Prasetyo, A. (2020). Pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) of prospective biology teacher on respiratory system material to education for sustainable development. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1521(4), 042034. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1521/4/042034
    19. Hartelt, T., Martens, H., & Minkley, N. (2022). Teachers’ ability to diagnose and deal with alternative student conceptions of evolution. Science Education, 106 (3), 706–738. https://doi.org/10.1002/sce.21705
    20. Hsu, Y.-S. (2015). The Development of Teachers’ Professional Learning and Knowledge. In Development of Science Teachers’ TPACK (pp. 3–15). Springer Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-287-441-2_1
    21. Hume, A., & Berry, A. (2011). Constructing CoRes—a Strategy for Building PCK in Pre-service Science Teacher Education. Research in Science Education, 41(3), 341–355. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11165-010-9168-3
    22. Hutner, T. L., Petrosino, A. J., & Salinas, C. (2021). Do Preservice Science Teachers Develop Goals Reflective of Science Teacher Education? A Case Study of Three Preservice Science Teachers. Research in Science Education, 51(3), 761–789. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11165-018-9816-6
    23. Kadıoğlu-Akbulut, C., Cetin-Dindar, A., Acar-Şeşen, B., & Küçük, S. (2023). Predicting Preservice Science Teachers’ TPACK through ICT usage. Education and Information Technologies, 28(9), 11269–11289. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-023-11657-0
    24. Kaya, Z., & Nafiz Kaya, O. (2023). Gathering Rich Data on Preservice Science Teachers’ Pedagogical Content Knowledge Through Their Lesson Plans. Journal of Teacher Education, 74(1), 10–22. https://doi.org/10.1177/00224871221105801
    25. Kaya, Z., Kaya, O. N., Aydemir, S., & Ebenezer, J. (2022). Knowledge of Student Learning Difficulties as a Plausible Conceptual Change Pathway Between Content Knowledge and Pedagogical Content Knowledge. Research in Science Education, 52(2), 691–723. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11165-020-09971-5
    26. Kilic, A., Aydemir, S., & Kazanc, S. (2019). The effect of technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) based blended learning environment on pre-service science teachers’ TPACK and classroom practices. İlköğretim Online, 1208–1232 . https://doi.org/10.17051/ilkonline.2019.611493
    27. Kind, V. (2016). Preservice Science Teachers’ Science Teaching Orientations and Beliefs About Science. Science Education, 100(1), 122–152. https://doi.org/10.1002/sce.21194
    28. Kind, V., Park, S., & Ho Chan, K. K. (2022). Science Teacher Professional Knowledge and Its Relationship to High-Quality Science Instruction. In Handbook of Research on Science Teacher Education (pp. 329–339). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003098478-29
    29. Kinskey, M., & Zeidler, D. (2021). Elementary Preservice Teachers’ Challenges in Designing and Implementing Socioscientific Issues-Based Lessons. Journal of Science Teacher Education, 32(3), 350–372. https://doi.org/10.1080/1046560X.2020.1826079
    30. Kiray, S. A. (2016). Development of a TPACK Self-efficacy Scale for Preservice Science Teachers. International Journal of Research in Education and Science, 2 (2), 527. https://doi.org/10.21890/ijres.64750
    31. Kotoka, J. K., & Kriek, J. (2023). Exploring Physics Teachers’ Technological, Pedagogical and Content Knowledge and Their Learners’ Achievement in Electricity. Journal of Baltic Science Education, 22(2), 282–293. https://doi.org/10.33225/jbse/23.22.282
    32. Kotul’áková, K. (2020). Identifying beliefs held by preservice chemistry teachers in order to improve instruction during their teaching courses. Chemistry Education Research and Practice, 21(3), 730–748. https://doi.org/10.1039/C9RP00190E
    33. Kulgemeyer, C., Borowski, A., Buschhüter, D., Enkrott, P., Kempin, M., Reinhold, P., Riese, J., Schecker, H., Schröder, J., & Vogelsang, C. (2020). Professional knowledge affects action‐related skills: The development of preservice physics teachers’ explaining skills during a field experience. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 57(10), 1554–1582. https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.21632
    34. Kurtuluş, M. A., & Tatar, N. (2021). An Analysis of Scientific Articles on Science Misconceptions: A Bibliometric Research. Elementary Education Online, 20(1), 192–207. https://doi.org/10.17051/ilkonline.2021.01.022
    35. Ladachart, L. (2020). Thai First-Year Preservice Science Teachers’ Orientations toward Teaching Science. The Asia-Pacific Education Researcher, 29(5), 455–471. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40299-019-00498-6
    36. Ladachart, L. (2021). Conceptions about teaching and learning that influence Thai preservice biology teachers’ orientations to teaching science. Curriculum Perspectives, 41(1), 3–15. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41297-020-00118-0
    37. Lee, C. J., & Kim, C. M. (2014). An Implementation Study of a TPACK Based Instructional Design Model in a Technology Integration Course. Journal of Education Technology Research Development, 62, 437–460. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-014-9335-8
    38. Lee, H. Y., Chung, C. Y., & Wei, G. (2022). Research on Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge: A Bibliometric Analysis From 2011 to 2020. Frontiers in Education, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2022.765233
    39. Lim, W. M., & Kumar, S. (2023). Guidelines for interpreting the results of bibliometric analysis: A sensemaking approach. Global Business and Organizational Excellence . https://doi.org/10.1002/joe.22229
    40. Linnenluecke, M. K., Marrone, M., & Singh, A. K. (2020). Conducting systematic literature reviews and bibliometric analyses. Australian Journal of Management, 4 (2), 175–194. https://doi.org/10.1177/0312896219877678
    41. Max, A., Lukas, S., & Weitzel, H. (2022). The relationship between self‐assessment and performance in learning TPACK: Are self‐assessments a good way to support preservice teachers’ learning? Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 38(4), 1160–1172. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcal.12674
    42. McAllister, J. T., Lennertz, L., & Atencio Mojica, Z. (2022). Mapping A Discipline: A Guide to Using VOSviewer for Bibliometric and Visual Analysis. Science & Technology Libraries, 41(3), 319–348. https://doi.org/10.1080/0194262X.2021.1991547
    43. Melo, L., Paixão, F., Marín, E., Cubero, J., & Muñoz, A. (2022). Pedagogical Content Knowledge with Primary Pre-service Teacher on Density: Validation of a Questionnaire. Investigações Em Ensino de Ciências, 27(2), 257–270. https://doi.org/10.22600/1518-8795.ienci2022v27n2p257
    44. Mesci, G., Schwartz, R. S., & Pleasants, B. A.-S. (2020). Enabling Factors of Preservice Science Teachers’ Pedagogical Content Knowledge for Nature of Science and Nature of Scientific Inquiry. Science & Education, 29(2), 263–297. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11191-019-00090-w
    45. Nilsson, P. (2022). From PCK to TPACK - Supporting student teachers’ reflections and use of digital technologies in science teaching. Research in Science & Technological Education, 1–25 . https://doi.org/10.1080/02635143.2022.2131759
    46. Norville, K., & Park, S. (2021). The Impact of the Cooperating Teacher on Master of Arts in Teaching Preservice Science Teachers’ Pedagogical Content Knowledge. Journal of Science Teacher Education, 32(4), 444–468. https://doi.org/10.1080/1046560X.2020.1850614
    47. Ouch, S., & Widiyatmoko, A. (2023). The role of students’ misconceptions in science teaching and learning. 030038 . https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0126151
    48. Padalkar, S., Ramchand, M., Shaikh, R., & Vijaysimha, I. (2022). Science Education: Developing Pedagogical Content Knowledge . Routledge India. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003047506
    49. Papanikolaou, K., Gouli, E., & Makri, K. (2014). Designing Pre-service Teacher Training based on a Combination of TPACK and Communities of Inquiry. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 116 , 3437–3442. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.01.779
    50. Pekdağ, B., Dolu, G., Ürek, H., & Azizoğlu, N. (2021). Exploring On-Campus and in Real School Classroom Microteaching Practices: the Effect on the Professional Development of Preservice Teachers. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 19(6), 1145–1166. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763-020-10109-2
    51. Pondee, P., Panjaburee, P., & Srisawasdi, N. (2021). Preservice science teachers’ emerging pedagogy of mobile game integration: a tale of two cohorts improvement study. Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning, 16(1), 16. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41039-021-00152-0
    52. Ramnarain, U., Pieters, A., & Wu, H.-K. (2021). Assessing the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge of Pre-Service Science Teachers at a South African University. International Journal of Information and Communication Technology Education, 17(3), 123–136. https://doi.org/10.4018/IJICTE.20210701.oa8
    53. Reynolds, Wm. M., & Park, S. (2021). Examining the relationship between the Educative Teacher Performance Assessment and preservice teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 58(5), 721–748. https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.21676
    54. Rutt, A., & Mumba, F. (2019). Developing Preservice Teachers’ Understanding of and Pedagogical Content Knowledge for History of Science–Integrated Science Instruction. Science & Education, 28(9–10), 1153–1179. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11191-019-00089-3
    55. Schiering, D., Sorge, S., Keller, M. M., & Neumann, K. (2023). A proficiency model for pre-service physics teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge (PCK)—What constitutes high‐level PCK? Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 60(1), 136–163. https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.21793
    56. Sizer, A., Tharp, H., Wrigley, J., Al-Bataineh, A., & Park, D.-Y. (2021). The Impact of Pre-Service Teachers’ Orientation on the Implementation of Inquiry-Based Science Instruction. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 17(11), em2028. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/11247
    57. Su, J. (2023). Preservice teachers’ technological pedagogical content knowledge development: A bibliometric review. Frontiers in Education, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2022.1033895
    58. Thomson, M. M., DiFrancesca, D., Carrier, S., & Lee, C. (2017). Teaching efficacy: exploring relationships between mathematics and science self-efficacy beliefs, PCK and domain knowledge among preservice teachers from the United States. Teacher Development, 21(1), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1080/13664530.2016.1204355
    59. Tuan, H.-L., & Lu, Y.-L. (2019). Science teacher education in Taiwan: past, present, and future. Asia-Pacific Science Education, 5(1), 15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41029-019-0044-9
    60. Walan, S., & Mc Ewen, B. (2017). Primary Teachers’ Reflections on Inquiry- and Context-Based Science Education. Research in Science Education, 47(2), 407–426. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11165-015-9507-5
    61. Wells, P. R., Goodnough, K., Azam, S., & Galway, G. (2023). Changes in high school distance education science teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) during remote lesson study. In Teacher Professional Learning through Lesson Study in Virtual and Hybrid Environments (pp. 203–222). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003286172-15
    62. Yang, S., Mei, B., & Yue, X. (2018). Mobile Augmented Reality Assisted Chemical Education: Insights from Elements 4D. Journal of Chemical Education, 95(6), 1060–1062. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.8b00017
    63. Yerdelen-Damar, S., Boz, Y., & Aydın-Günbatar, S. (2017). Mediated Effects of Technology Competencies and Experiences on Relations among Attitudes Towards Technology Use, Technology Ownership, and Self Efficacy about Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 26(4), 394–405. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10956-017-9687-z
    64. Yusuf, B. (2017). Using an E-Portfolio for Teaching and Teacher Continuous Learning: A Process for Professional Development Enhancement. In Teacher Empowerment Toward Professional Development and Practices (pp. 295–307). Springer Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-4151-8_20

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Copyright (c) 2025 The Authors

How to cite

Tyas, R. A., Wilujeng, I., Rosana, D., & Jumadi. (2025). An examination of preservice science teachers pedagogical content knowledge: Development and trends. Multidisciplinary Reviews, 8(9), 2025279. https://doi.org/10.31893/multirev.2025279
  • Article viewed - 255
  • PDF downloaded - 59