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The relationship of prior training and previous teaching experience to self-efficacy among graduate teaching assistants

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Abstract

This study, based on the theoretical model of Teacher Self-Efficacy proposed by Denham and Michael (1981), explored the effects of prior training, previous teaching experience, and certain demographic variables on the teaching self-efficacy of graduate teaching assistants. An adapted version of the Self-Efficacy Toward Teaching Inventory (Tollerud, 1990) was administered to a sample of graduate teaching assistants. Graduate teaching assistants with prior training endorsed a significantly higher level of self-efficacy than those with no training. Correlational analyses demonstrated significant positive relationships between prior training and previous teaching experience with level of self-efficacy. Multiple regression analysis indicated that previous teaching experience explained a significant amount of variance in self-efficacy. Results are discussed in light of the current training and utilization of graduate teaching assistants, and suggestions for future research are offered.

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Prieto, L.R., Altmaier, E.M. The relationship of prior training and previous teaching experience to self-efficacy among graduate teaching assistants. Res High Educ 35, 481–497 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02496384

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