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Dissertation
An Exploration of the Interrelationships Among the Constructs of Bandura's Self-efficacy Theory in Preservice Elementary Teachers Within Science Content Applications
University of West Florida Libraries
Doctor of Education (EDD), University of West Florida
2011
Abstract
Bandura's theory of self-efficacy describes those factors which influence the way people behave in given situations. According to Bandura, self-efficacy, the beliefs people have about their abilities to successfully accomplish a given task, influences behavior more than any other factor. This ex post facto descriptive study explores the interrelationships among the constructs of Bandura's theory of self-efficacy as they relate to a sample of preservice elementary teachers in science content areas. Science education has traditionally followed a philosophical perspective in which science is taught as a body of knowledge, which can be transferred from the teacher to the students through transmission-based practices and strategies. Reform efforts, however, encourage a more constructivist approach to teaching and learning science. Although reform efforts encourage teachers to change the ways with which they approach science education, research indicates that teachers tend to be resistant to pedagogical change. Lack of content knowledge, low confidence, and poor attitudes toward science contribute to a heavy reliance on textbook readings and lecture rather than the creation of student-centered learning environments. This study used an ex post facto design to explore the interrelationships among the constructs of Bandura's self-efficacy theory in relation to preservice elementary teachers in science content areas. The study was conducted at a mid-sized regional comprehensive university in the southeastern United States. The sample represented a population of approximately 850 preservice elementary teachers within the university's Elementary Education and Exceptional Student Education undergraduate teacher preparation programs. Correlational and multiple regression analysis procedures were performed and those procedures identified relationships among the variables, which represented the constructs of Bandura's self-efficacy theory. The findings of this study prompted ideas and suggestions for future research which might shed new light on the strategies and practices used to educate preservice elementary teachers in science content areas.
Details
- Title
- An Exploration of the Interrelationships Among the Constructs of Bandura's Self-efficacy Theory in Preservice Elementary Teachers Within Science Content Applications
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Publisher
- University of West Florida Libraries
- Format
- pdf
- Number of pages
- 193
- Copyright
- © 2011 Michelle Renée Gaudette
- Identifiers
- 99380090863006600
- Academic Unit
- School of Education
- Language
- English
- Awarding Institution
- University of West Florida; Doctor of Education (EDD)
- Theses and Dissertations
- Doctor of Education (EDD), University of West Florida