PERTANIKA JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES

In this study, the rating of nine dimensions of teaching behaviours of 112 preschool student teachers from a previous study was analysed using exploratory factor analysis. The teaching behaviours were observed and recorded using the observer rating scales. A pattern of behaviours was observed. Four latent variables were found to underlie the nine teaching behaviours. These are: (1) facilitating (2) interpersonal (3) interactiveand (4) flexible. These latent variables are correlated with each other. Preschool student teachers in the study exhibited these teaching behaviours in their teaching performance in a laboratory school setting. Recommendations for future research to confirm the teaching behaviour model employing confirmatory factor analysis are presented. The findings of this study could hopefully serve as a useful guide for teacher educators in the preparation of preschool and early childhood teachers.