Putting the Self in Self-Efficacy: Personal Factors in the Development of Early Teacher Self-Efficacy

The factors that influence the construction of a teacher’s sense of self-efficacy are complex. The authors used a qualitative research design to explore the reflections of a sample of 25 K-12 early career teachers as they made sense of their own abilities. The results show that theorized sources of...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Education and urban society 2023-02, Vol.55 (2), p.175-200
Main Authors: Narayanan, Madhu, Ordynans, Jill G., Wang, Amber, McCluskey, Matthew S., Elivert, Nathalie, Shields, Anne L., Ferrell, Anne C.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Beginning Teachers
Career Choice
Educational Environment
Elementary School Teachers
High School Teachers
Middle School Teachers
Motivation
Professional Identity
Qualitative research
Research design
Self concept
Self Efficacy
Teacher Attitudes
Teacher Characteristics
Teacher Student Relationship
Teachers
Teaching
Teaching Experience
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Summary:The factors that influence the construction of a teacher’s sense of self-efficacy are complex. The authors used a qualitative research design to explore the reflections of a sample of 25 K-12 early career teachers as they made sense of their own abilities. The results show that theorized sources of self-efficacy—mastery experiences, vicarious experiences, and verbal persuasion—all remain important but are interpreted through each participant’s unique background and conception of identity. Teacher Self-Efficacy emerged as a construct that both influenced and was influenced by this collection of individual factors. This study provides insight into how each teacher’s unique experiences interact dynamically with school environments and personal stories to shape their sense of self-efficacy. The findings can influence how new teachers are supported by coaches and teacher educators to build the confidence and motivation necessary to persist through the challenges of teaching.
ISSN:0013-1245
1552-3535
DOI:10.1177/00131245211062528