The European Educational Researcher

Preparing Critical Media Literate Teachers: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of a Pre-Service Teacher Training in Digital Basic Education (Digitale Grundbildung) in Austria

Kobra Mohammadpourkachalami 1 *
1 University of Vienna* Corresponding Author
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The European Educational Researcher, Volume 9, Issue 3, October 2026, pp. 43-61
OPEN ACCESS VIEWS: 20 DOWNLOADS: 11 Publication date: 15 Oct 2026
ABSTRACT
Media, particularly corporate media, plays a substantial role in the lives of Austrian youth. In this regard, it is imperative to cultivate critical media literacy among students by preparing media literate teachers. The present study examines the integration of critical media literacy in the teaching practices of a pre-service teacher training seminar in digital basic education (Digitale Grundbildung) in Austria. A convergent mixed-methods design and critical media literacy theory were employed to investigate this integration, and the data were collected via survey and interviews. Thirty-eight pre-service teachers completed the survey, and three trainees participated in semi-structured interviews. A narrative discussion of the results reveals convergence in both data sets in most aspects. Both quantitative and qualitative data demonstrate the integration of critical media literacy and teaching about media. In contrast to the prevailing perspectives on media literacy in teaching with and through media and protectionism, the training focused predominantly on the development of lesson plans, media creation, and critical understanding of media. While most aspects of critical media literacy were integrated into the training, the ability to criticize different ideologies was not reported as an important acquired competence. This may be due to the complexity of teaching ideology critique, which requires a more hands-on approach and practical engagement.
KEYWORDS
critical media literacy, digital basic education, media, mixed methods, teacher education.
CITATION (APA)
Mohammadpourkachalami, K. (2026). Preparing Critical Media Literate Teachers: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of a Pre-Service Teacher Training in Digital Basic Education (Digitale Grundbildung) in Austria. The European Educational Researcher, 9(3), 43-61. https://doi.org/10.31757/euer.933
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