Teacher competences in the use of STEM virtual simulations: design and validation of a measurement instrument (CDUSV)

INTRODUCTION. The importance of using virtual simulations as a didactic resource to develop a contextualized applied science teaching, focused on the development of scientific competencies, has created the need to assess the competencies of Secondary Education teachers in the use of these tools. The aim of this work is to design and validate an instrument to assess the competencies of secondary education teachers in STEM areas, in the use of virtual simulations.METHOD. Based on an exhaustive theoretical review, an initial instrument was developed, which was subjected to a validation process by experts. Then, a pilot study with 30 teachers was carried out, which helped to build the definitive instrument. The final instrument was applied to 332 Secondary Education teachers of STEM areas in Spain. Finally, the validation of the instrument was carried out through an exploratory factor analysis (EFA).RESULTS. The results obtained show a high content validi-ty and reliability (Cronbach's & alpha; = .92). Furthermore, the exploratory factor analysis developed using the Maximum Likelihood Estimation method and Equamax rotation shows a structure of 4 factors called: "Development of teaching practice", "Didactic planning", "Self-reflection on tea-ching practice" and "Difficulties associated with the use of virtual simulations". A high reliability is obtained for all the extracted factors.DISCUSSION. Finally, it is discussed the value of the instrument and its interest for the design of teacher training programs built from the knowledge and the real difficulties of teachers in the use of virtual STEM simulations in the Secondary Edu-cation classroom.