Digital Pedagogical Competence of Pre-service Chemistry Teachers: An Assessment of the Current Situation and Development Solutions
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: A digitally competent teacher can effectively and safely utilize technology to support instructional goals. The integration of subject-matter knowledge, digital tools, and pedagogical methods forms the foundation of teacher education, equipping educators with the skills necessary to embed digital technology into their teaching practices meaningfully. However, there is still a lack of research focusing on the practical application of digital technology in teacher education to enhance the teaching competence of future Chemistry teachers. This study aims to address this gap by simultaneously developing both digital competence and pedagogical skills for pre-service teachers during their training process. A digital pedagogical competency (DPC) framework tailored for chemistry education students is proposed, serving as the basis for the development of a 20-item assessment tool to evaluate digital teaching competencies. The results indicate that students have achieved relatively high levels of chemistry content knowledge, in utilizing digital technologies to access subject-related information, and in designing and implementing instructional plans within digital environments. Nevertheless, notable disparities exist in students' confidence levels and hands-on experiences when it comes to designing and organizing digital teaching activities. To enhance DPC, it is recommended to establish a structured evaluation system, develop digital course resources, strengthen teacher guidance, and encourage independent, in-depth digital learning. These efforts not only empower students to master digital technologies in teaching but also contribute to the development of lifelong learning capacities and adaptability to the demands of modern education.
Author: Vu Thi Thu Hoai
Language: English
Subfield: Information Systems
Field: Computer Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7136141047