Pre-Service Pre-School Teachers’ Music Education Self-Efficacy Levels: A Case Study

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to examine pre-service preschool teachers’ music education self-efficacy levels in terms of their gender and grades. Design: The research has been designed as descriptive research based on the survey model. The data collection tool includes the 'Music Education Self-Efficacy Scale for Preschool Teacher Candidates' developed by Yıldız (2017). The study group includes 221 pre-service preschool teachers. Findings: Research indicates that pre-service preschool teachers' music education self-efficacy is at a 'good level.' Considering grades, it is found that as the grade level increases, there is an increase in the self-efficacy beliefs of pre-service preschool teachers related to music education. The lowest music education self-efficacy levels belong to freshman pre-service preschool teachers, and the highest music education self-efficacy levels belong to senior pre-service preschool teachers. However, it is found that the music education self-efficacy levels do not significantly differ according to gender. Highlights: It draws attention to a significant increase in the music education self-efficacy belief levels of the 3rd and 4th grade pre-service preschool teachers who took 'Early Childhood Music Education' as a compulsory course in the 2nd year of undergraduate education.