Self-Efficacy and Teaching Skills Perceptions of Primary School Teachers: A Predictive Study

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to examine the correlation and predictive power between the 21st century teaching skills of primary school teachers and their 21st century skills efficacy perception levels. The cross-sectional survey design has been carried out in the research. As data collection tools, 21st Century Skills Efficacy Perception Scale and Utilization of 21st Century Teacher Skills Scale have been administered. The sample consists of 459 primary school teachers working in state and private primary schools in Izmir province and its central districts. Linear regression analysis and path analysis have been carried out in testing of the research hypothesis. The model established between 21st century skills efficacy perceptions and utilization of 21st century teacher skills has been concluded to be valid and significant. Additionally, it has been determined that the model has generally acceptable goodness of fit values. Results of the research indicate that utilization of 21st century teacher skills increase as does 21st century teacher skills efficacy perceptions. Accordingly, it is deemed to be beneficial that professional development programs for improving 21st century teacher skills are developed and implemented extensively in order to support utilization of such skills. Furthermore, it is considered that incentive practices for utilization of 21st century skills adopted by decision-makers can help primary education to meet requirements of the modern age.