Teaching readiness, pedagogical knowledge, self-efficacy and teaching competence among pre-service preschool teachers in Tamil language instruction

Abstract

Professionalism among preservice teachers is fundamental to ensuring that Tamil language instruction at the preschool level is well planned, effective, and developmentally appropriate. This study aims to identify the levels of teaching readiness, pedagogical knowledge, self-efficacy, and Tamil language teaching competence among preservice preschool teachers, as well as to examine the relationships between the three predictor variables and teaching competence and their respective contributions to it. The study adopts a quantitative approach using a correlational survey design. The sample comprises 12 pre-service preschool teachers with experience teaching Tamil in Tamil schools. Data are collected using a structured questionnaire encompassing four main constructs: teaching readiness, pedagogical knowledge, self-efficacy, and Tamil language teaching competence. The instrument will undergo content validation by a panel of experts and pilot testing to establish its reliability using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Descriptive statistics are used to determine the level of each variable, while Pearson’s correlation is used to examine relationships between the variables. The findings are expected to indicate that teaching readiness, pedagogical knowledge, and self-efficacy are positively and significantly associated with Tamil language teaching competence, with self-efficacy and pedagogical knowledge expected to make greater predictive contributions. This study has the potential to strengthen teacher education programmes by providing empirical evidence on factors influencing pre-service teachers’ teaching competence. Its implications may assist institutes of teacher education in planning more systematic pedagogical training, practicum supervision, and professional development interventions to support the holistic and sustained improvement of Tamil language instruction at the preschool level.