Pre-Service Students’ Self-efficacy as Future Mathematics Teachers in a Second Language Classroom

Abstract

This study contributes to the field of research on teacher self-efficacy by investigating a group of multilingual pre-service teachers’ perceptions of self-efficacy in Norwegian mathematics classrooms. In recent years, several quantitative studies exploring teacher self-efficacy have been conducted, but according to Xenofontos and Andrews (2020) there are few qualitative studies addressing conceptualizations of self-efficacy across various contexts. Furthermore, the cultural and language dimensions related to self-efficacy are usually not addressed. Pertaining to this group of multilingual pre-service teachers, all enrolled in the multilingual teacher preparation program at the University of Agder, we found that it was not sufficient for them to focus solely on acquiring mathematical knowledge or developing their mathematics teaching skills. They also needed to navigate a different classroom culture and a language that is not their first language. As a result, this study contributes crucial insights to complement the theory of teacher self-efficacy.