Self-efficacy Beliefs Research Articles

Measuring EFL Learners’ Perceptions of Technology Self-efficacy in Online Language Learning

Technology self-efficacy plays a pivotal role in learners’ technology uptake during their learning process in technology-mediated learning environments. This study aims to explore EFL learners’ perceived technology self-efficacy in online language learning. The quantitative data obtained in this study was via a survey questionnaire with 910 learners of a Vietnamese university. The study results revealed that the overall level of EFL learners’ technology self-efficacy was moderate, except for their high efficacy in using the Internet to gather information. Moreover, these results indicated that male learners were more confident in fulfilling online learning tasks than their female counterparts. The learners majoring in engineering showed more confidence in their capability to use computers and learning management systems in their English learning process compared to those of other majors. However, the learners’ length of time learning English had no significant impact on their perceptions of technology self-efficacy. The findings provide some insights into how the EFL learners perceive their self-efficacious beliefs of technology use in online language learning, which will help train strategies to promote technology uptake in Vietnamese higher education settings.

The mediating role of green perceived organizational support in the relationship between green transformational leadership and green self-efficacy

Purpose This study aims to reveal whether green perceived organizational support has a mediating role in the relationship between managers’ green transformational leadership and the green self-efficacy beliefs of employees. Design/methodology/approach The textile industry is a sector with fast and cheap production and is the second most damaging sector to the environment due to excessive consumption and rapidly changing fashion trends. Hence, textile industry employees were selected as the research object. The data were collected by survey method from 274 people working in businesses operating in the textile sector in Türkiye. The collected data were analyzed in the SmartPLS 4 analysis program. Findings The analysis found that managers’ green transformational leadership increases employees’ green self-efficacy beliefs. Likewise, it was determined that managers’ green transformational leadership increases employees’ green perceived organizational support. The analysis also indicated that employees’ green perceived organizational support increases employees’ green self-efficacy beliefs. Finally, as a result of the analysis, it was concluded that green perceived organizational support is a complementary partial mediator variable in the relationship between managers’ green transformational leadership and employees’ green self-efficacy beliefs. Originality/value The available literature has overlooked the mediating role of green perceived organizational support in the relationship between managers’ green transformational leadership and the green self-efficacy beliefs of employees. This work makes new contributions to the literature and practice by revealing the significance of managers’ green transformational leadership and green perceived organizational support in increasing employees’ green self-efficacy beliefs.

Measuring dimensions of teacher resilience in Africa: Self-efficacy and teacher efficacy

With this article we aimed to contribute evidence on reliable and valid measurement of teacher resilience in an under researched African context and population. Scales from an existing instrument, ENTREEi, were used to measure the resilience of pre-service teachers at a South African university. The sample constituted 1,193 final-year pre-service teachers (20–32 years), who completed the FIRE teacher resilience measure (2015 to 2017). Teacher resilience data were purposively selected from the FIRE dataset and items analysed related to self-efficacy and teacher efficacy beliefs. A quantitative approach was used, which consisted of reliability (internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha) and validity (construct validity using Spearman correlations) analyses of the teacher resilience scale and the teacher efficacy scale. The statistical analyses indicate that the FIRE teacher resilience measure is a reliable and valid measure for intrapersonal resilience-enabling pathways in a challenged context. The underlying variable structure of the teacher resilience scale and teacher efficacy scale held in a Global South setting when used with pre-service teachers. The article contributes to teacher resilience measurement discourse by providing insights into the utility of teacher resilience scales in South Africa. The results act as a precursor for comparative teacher resilience results worldwide for future studies.

The Effect of a Cross-Curricular Course on Pre-Service Teachers’ Sustainable Development Attitudes and Mathematical Modeling Self-Efficacy Beliefs

The Effect of a Cross-Curricular Course on Pre-Service Teachers’ Sustainable Development Attitudes and Mathematical Modeling Self-Efficacy Beliefs

Predictors of primary school teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs for inclusive education

Predictors of primary school teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs for inclusive education

Exploring English Teachers’ Self-Efficacy Beliefs in Teaching Reading Using Technology During The Post-Pandemic Era

Exploring English Teachers’ Self-Efficacy Beliefs in Teaching Reading Using Technology During The Post-Pandemic Era

Measuring Self-Efficacy Beliefs in Teaching Inquiry-Based Science and the Nature of Scientific Inquiry

AbstractInquiry-based science teaching (IBST) is a key goal of science education reforms worldwide. Recent research highlights the importance of infusing inquiry teaching with knowledge about the nature of scientific inquiry, and not just focusing on procedural skills to do inquiry. However, such an endeavour requires teachers to have high levels of self-efficacy. Given the lack of valid and reliable measurement instruments for Spanish-speaking teachers, the present study adapted and validated Aydeniz et al. Science and Education, 30(1), 103–120, (2021) Inquiry-Based Science Teaching Efficacy Scale (IBSTES, Science & Education, 30:103–120). Confirmatory factor analysis on data from 428 pre-service teachers in kindergarten and elementary school revealed a two-factor structure, which is consistent with the conceptual framework of IBST. The two factors measured self-efficacy beliefs regarding (1) helping students improve their understanding of the nature of scientific inquiry and (2) helping students develop procedural skills for conducting scientific inquiry. Both factors demonstrated very high reliability (> 0.90), as assessed by Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega. This latent structure was invariant across genders, suggesting that the instrument can be used with both male and female prospective teachers, allowing for gender comparisons. This study is the first of its kind to validate in Spanish a self-efficacy scale for IBST that specifically tackles the epistemological understanding of the nature of scientific inquiry. The Spanish IBSTES provides a valuable tool for researchers and practitioners to assess and support teacher self-efficacy, which is essential for the success of educational reforms.

The relationship between clinical decision-making levels and self-efficacy levels of operating room nurses

BackgroundClinical decision-making and self-efficacy levels of operating room nurses are critical for patient care quality and safety. ObjectiveThis study aims to examine the relationship between clinical decision-making levels and self-efficacy among operating room nurses and to identify factors influencing these two key components of nursing practice. MethodsA cross-sectional descriptive design was used to survey 94 nurses working in surgical wards at Ankara University Medical Faculty Hospital. Data were collected using the Clinical Decision Making in Nursing Scale (CDMNS), General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), and a demographic information form. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and group comparisons. ResultsA significant positive correlation was found between clinical decision-making ability and self-efficacy (r = 0.355, p < .0001). Nurses with higher education levels demonstrated significantly greater clinical decision-making skills (p < .005). Nurse managers reported significantly higher self-efficacy levels compared to scrub/circulating nurses (p < .05). Age was positively correlated with self-efficacy (r = 0.373, p < .0001) but not with clinical decision-making ability. ConclusionThe research indicated that self-efficacy levels correspond with clinical decision-making capabilities of the operating room nurses. Higher education levels of the practitioners enhanced their clinical decision-making abilities. Nurse managers had higher self-efficacious beliefs than the scrub or circulating nurses. Age was positively associated with self-efficacy, but not with the scores on clinical decision-making abilities. The results of this study nurse leaders have higher GSES and CDMNS scores because they are experienced nurses with higher education degrees.

Exploring the relationship between self-efficacy beliefs when teaching science and engineering

The belief that pre-service science teachers can effectively instruct science has been the subject of substantial research. However, a lack of research exists to examine the relationship between pre-service teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs and their capacity to teach science and engineering. To fill this void in the literature, it is necessary to investigate the relationship between self-efficacy beliefs in engineering and science education. To address this knowledge deficit, this research investigated the relationship between pre-service science teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs in science instruction and their engineering teaching self-efficacy beliefs. The data were obtained from 224 pre-service science teachers using a quantitative approach. The study results indicated that pre-service teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs in science teaching were higher than in engineering teaching. The correlation analysis revealed a strong and significant correlation between self-efficacy beliefs in science and engineering teaching. The regression analysis also showed a significant relationship between self-efficacy beliefs in science and engineering. In addition, the results also revealed that science-teaching self-efficacy beliefs explained 52% of the variation in participants’ engineering-teaching self-efficacy beliefs. Future research recommendations are derived from the results.

Students’ self-regulatory processes in content and language integrated learning: a vignette-based microanalytic study

ABSTRACT Despite the global adoption of Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) and extensive research on the effectiveness (product-oriented) and classroom interactions (process-oriented) of CLIL, existing studies have overlooked the motivational beliefs and metacognitive strategies of CLIL students. Hence, there is a need for a participant-oriented approach to better understand students’ perspectives and enhance CLIL’s success. Drawing on the social cognitive model of self-regulated learning (SRL), this study aimed to explore how students plan, monitor, and evaluate their learning in CLIL contexts by employing a novel vignette-based microanalytic assessment approach to empirically capture students’ SRL processes. Participants were 108 junior secondary school students from three schools in Hong Kong. Data were analysed using structuring qualitative content analysis. Findings revealed that students employed diverse strategies to manage the demands of language and content learning, with variations in self-efficacy beliefs influencing their approaches. Furthermore, some learners faced challenges in maintaining effective self-regulation. This study argues that improving self-regulatory processes and enhancing CLIL’s success requires prioritising assessment, considering the state of ‘others’, and fostering deeper learning beyond CLIL. This study contributes to the empirical, methodological, and pedagogical understanding of students’ SRL in CLIL settings and informs future research on student-focused aspects in CLIL.

Whose responsibility? Saudi university EMI content teachers’ language-related assessment practices and beliefs

Compared to the other English medium instruction (EMI) issues, assessment has received very scant research attention. A complex issue in EMI assessment relates to the role of English in measuring learning outcomes, and whether or not language should be assessed along with technical content. Combining questionnaire and semi-structured interviewed data, this study explored the English-related assessment practices and beliefs of native-Arabic and non-native-Arabic faculty members teaching EMI scientific majors at eight Saudi universities. Two hundred and forty-nine faculty members completed the questionnaire, whereas 20 faculty members were interviewed. The results showed that the content teachers do not give much weight to language quality when evaluating students’ written or oral performance. Compared to native-Arabic peers, the non-native-Arabic teachers, who intuitively have little or no translanguaging in their instruction, were found to pay slightly more attention to evaluating students’ English and to considering it in assessing students’ academic performance. Meanwhile, the interviews revealed that the teachers’ negative language-related assessment attitude has been shaped by the view that they are non-responsible for correcting students’ English, and by the too many language errors noted in students’ performance. Finally, the teachers’ highly-rated language assessment self-efficacy beliefs did not match their actual assessment practices.

Analysis of the Relationships Between University Students' Laboratory Self-Efficacy Beliefs, Science Process Skills and Achievement in Chemistry Courses

It is a widely accepted view among educators that chemistry education should include objectives to develop scientific thinking, laboratory competences and science process skills in addition to chemistry. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationships between laboratory self-efficacy beliefs and science process skills of chemistry department students and their chemical technology course achievement. The study was conducted in the autumn term of the 2023-2024 academic year in the chemistry departments of three universities in Kazakhstan. The study, which was conducted with relational survey model on the basis of quantitative research paradigm, included 198 students studying in chemistry departments. The data of the study were collected with 'Laboratory self-efficacy beliefs scale' and 'Science process skills scale'. The participants' laboratory self-efficacy beliefs were above moderate, and their science process skills were at a moderate level, according to the study's conclusions. Chemistry department students' laboratory self-efficacy and science process skills did not differ by gender. Correlation analyses revealed significant and positive relationships between students' achievement in chemical technology course and their laboratory self-efficacy beliefs and science process skills in the chemistry department. Regression analyses revealed that the participant students' science process skills, in particular, significantly predicted their performance in the chemical technology course.

Cross-Cultural Validation of Teachers Social Self-Efficacy Scale: Insights from Cyprus, Greece, and Portugal

The main aim of this study is to explore early childhood teachers’ social self-efficacy in Cyprus, Greece, and Portugal. In addition, this study examines the validity of the factorial structure of the Teachers’ Social Self-Efficacy Scale (TSSES). A sample of 349 early childhood teachers across the three countries participated in this study. An exploratory analysis and then a confirmatory factor analysis were employed to reveal the structure of the TSSES. Configural and metric invariance were established for the one-factor structure of the TSSES. The results showed that teachers in Portugal and Cyprus experience high levels of social self-efficacy, whereas Greek teachers experience moderate to high levels of social self-efficacy. The TSSES seems to be a reliable instrument for assessing social self-efficacy beliefs. Possible implications for practice are also discussed.

Exploring Secondary School Students’ Perceptions of Their Teachers’ Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK), and EFL Teachers’ Perceived Self-Efficacy Beliefs (SEB) in Teaching Reading Skills

This study sought to explore students’ perceptions of their English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers’ Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) and the self-efficacy beliefs (SEB) of EFL teachers in teaching reading skills across selected secondary schools. The researchers employed explanatory sequential mixed methods design. Data were collected using a self-constructed questionnaire with 34 items, administered to 258 secondary school students, to assess their perceptions of their teachers’ PCK performance. Additionally, a separate questionnaire with 21 items was distributed to 70 EFL teachers to gather information on their self-efficacy beliefs. To further elucidate these beliefs, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 EFL teachers from the six selected secondary schools. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, while qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis. The findings indicated that students had a moderately positive perception of their teachers’ PCK (M=3.32; SD=0.926). In contrast, teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs were perceived as somewhat efficacious (M=3.74; SD=0.533). The results from the teacher interviews corroborated the questionnaire findings. The Pearson correlation coefficient between students’ perceptions and teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs was r=-0.027, p=0.826, suggesting a weak, negative relationship between these variables. To address these findings and bridge the existing gap, it is recommended that EFL teachers receive targeted professional development to enhance students’ perceptions.

Challenges Facing the Implementation of Inclusive Education in Public Primary Schools of Tehsil Liaquatpur

The purpose of this study was to ascertain the challenges facing the implementation of inclusive education programs in Pakistani public primary schools in Tehsil Liaquatpur. The goals of this research project are: 1) To determine the status of inclusive education implementation. 2) To determine the main challenges in implementing inclusive teaching methods. 3) To investigate the attitudes of administration and teachers about inclusive education. 4) To look into whether resources are adequate and available. A descriptive quantitative survey design was selected for this study. The population of this study is all public primary schools (595) of tehsil LQP, and the sample is 119 public primary schools. From these schools, 119 head teachers and 357 teachers participated as a sample. A simple random sampling technique is used. For data collection, two self-structured questionnaires were used; one for head teachers and one for teachers. After data collection, SPSS was used to analyze data. The results revealed significant challenges in the implementation of inclusive education such as parents’ reluctance, lack of teacher training, insufficient resources, traditional methods, a lack of educational facilities, lack of support, poverty, transportation issues, etc. The study suggests that working with students with disabilities and small class sizes positively impacted the participants’ attitudes toward inclusion. A teacher must hold high self-efficacy beliefs, reliable teaching strategies, and positive attitudes toward children with special needs. The study will aid the teachers, head teachers, parents, policymakers, sponsors, and the general public need in handling the investigated obstacles for better learning and development.

Social Exclusion Effect on Self-Efficacy.

Research and theory indicate that self-efficacy can be influenced by factors related to persuasion, experiences of success, and emotional states. These factors can include situations that challenge people's beliefs about their abilities. Social exclusion is associated with deprivation of the need for control, low self-control, and low self-esteem. This study examined whether social exclusion might affect general self-efficacy beliefs. It was predicted that self-efficacy would be lower in the exclusion condition than in the inclusion condition and that satisfaction of the need for control and belonging would mediate the exclusion effect on self-efficacy. Feelings of control and belonging were manipulated using a Cyberball game in which participants were excluded or included in the online ball-tossing game. The results confirmed the hypotheses. Self-efficacy, belonging, and control were lower in ostracism than in the inclusion condition. Control and belonging were positively related to self-efficacy and mediated the effect of ostracism on self-efficacy. Research suggests that creating an environment that satisfies control and relatedness needs may foster self-efficacy and that each need is important.

Exploring the effects of problem-based learning on English as a foreign language students: a mixed-methods approach in Chinese higher education

ABSTRACT In this mixed-methods study, we investigated the relationship between instructional approach, students’ self-efficacy beliefs, and students’ English language proficiency, as well as the perceptions of the instructor and students regarding problem-based learning (PBL) in a College English course in China. Using path analysis, we assessed the effectiveness of PBL as compared to traditional lecture-based instruction, focusing on PBL’s impact on Chinese college students’ self-efficacy beliefs and English proficiency. We also explored the perceptions of both instructors and students regarding PBL using their qualitative feedback. Two classes of College English (N = 57) at a tier-one university in China were randomly assigned to either a PBL or a traditional lecture condition for one semester, while controlling for students’ initial English placement test scores. The results indicated that PBL instruction fostered students’ English proficiency, and students’ self-efficacy positively impacted their English proficiency, as measured by a national English standardized test. However, PBL did not impact students’ self-efficacy beliefs. Both the instructor and students held positive attitudes towards PBL instruction in the English classroom, and students made recommendations for activities and ways to improve. Further investigation of PBL’s effectiveness is needed to support English as a foreign language students’ language acquisition in a global context.

Investigating the mediating role of self-efficacy between digital leadership capability, intercultural competence, and employability among working undergraduates

PurposeUtilizing the Social Cognitive Theory framework, this research aims to illuminate how self-efficacy acts as a mediating factor, enhancing employability among working university students by fostering essential capabilities in digital leadership and intercultural competence.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative study with 206 working undergraduates from an Indonesian university. Questionnaires and structural equation modeling (SEM) with SPSS and SmartPLS were used.FindingsFindings showed that working undergraduate students possess a high level of digital leadership capability and intercultural competence and tend to display increased confidence in their ability to perform challenging tasks and attain anticipated outcomes, thereby enhancing their employability. The integration of these skills, coupled with a solid self-efficacy belief, emerges as a powerful combination in the modern employment landscape in the digital transformation and Artificial Intelligence age.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is conducted in one university in Indonesia, potentially limiting its generalizability. Future studies could expand its regions to multiple universities across different countries for a more comprehensive implication.Practical implicationsThis research answered the call for strategies from the university level on enhancing the development of essential competencies for working undergraduate students’ employability. It further highlights the necessity for shaping the curriculum to prioritize digital leadership capability, intercultural competence, and the cultivation of self-efficacy among working students.Social implicationsThis insight of the research has profound social implications, indicating that educational institutions must adapt their curricula to prioritize these competencies. By doing so, universities can better prepare students to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace, thereby contributing to a workforce that is not only technologically proficient but also culturally adept and resilient in the face of challenges. This adaptation is essential for fostering a generation of graduates who are well-equipped to contribute positively to a diverse and rapidly evolving labor market, ultimately benefiting both the individuals and the wider society by promoting economic development and cultural understanding.Originality/valueAdopting a quantitative approach, this research offers a data-driven lens of employability determinants, deepening the understanding of how intertwined competencies shape employment outcomes in the AI age.

Professional Networks and Self-Efficacy of Paraeducators Working with Students with Learning to Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

Paraeducators often work with special education teachers and school teams to support students with disabilities who have complex communication needs (CCN), including students who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) such as speech-generating devices. This study involved surveying 258 paraeducators working with students with disabilities who had CCN (grades PreK–12, along with community-based transition classrooms). Social network analysis was used to examine paraeducators’ professional networks and collaboration patterns, along with how paraeducator professional network size related to their self-efficacy beliefs about working with students with CCN. Findings revealed wide variability in the size and function of paraeducators’ professional networks and their self-efficacy beliefs. Paraeducators generally reported few mutual collaborative relationships with other professionals, receiving support more than they gave support. Many had small networks with few trusted collaborators. Paraeducators’ network size was the strongest predictor of self-efficacy beliefs, beyond their personal characteristics and whether they received AAC-related training. This study informs future research and practice by underscoring the need for paraeducators to work within well-connected teams, and by revealing ways social network analysis can be used to examine issues related to self-efficacy and collaboration.

Investigating structural relations among university students’ self-efficacy beliefs, epistemological beliefs, and digital literacy skills

Investigating structural relations among university students’ self-efficacy beliefs, epistemological beliefs, and digital literacy skills