The effects of teacher competence on student outcomes in elementary science education: The mediating role of teaching quality

In this contribution, we investigate links between teacher competence, teaching quality, and student outcomes in elementary science education. Students' conceptual understanding and interest were measured during two teaching units in a pre-post design (1070 students, 54 classes). Results show that teacher competence (pedagogical content knowledge, self-efficacy, and teaching enthusiasm) was positively related to students' interest; self-efficacy was positively related to student achievement. Three dimensions of teaching quality (cognitive activation, supportive climate, and classroom management), which refer to the actual teacher-student-interactions in the classroom, mediated these relationships. These results help illuminate the mechanisms behind the effects of teachers on student outcomes. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.