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Inspiring Instructional Change in Elementary School Science: The Relationship Between Enhanced Self-efficacy and Teacher Practices

  • Elementary Science Teacher Education
  • Published:
Journal of Science Teacher Education

Abstract

This longitudinal study examined the extent to which teachers’ participation in a 3-year professional development program enhanced their self-efficacy and prompted changes in science instruction in the early elementary grades. The study used a mixed-methods design, and included 39 teachers who taught in kindergarten, first grade, or second grade classrooms in rural school districts. Data sources, administered pre-program and at the end of each year, included a self-efficacy assessment and teacher survey. Interviews and classroom observations provided corroborating data about teachers’ beliefs and science instruction. Results showed significant increases in teachers’ overall self-efficacy in teaching science, personal efficacy, and outcome expectancy efficacy during the 3 years. Gains in self-efficacy were correlated with changes in reported instructional practices, particularly student participation activities. However, changes in self-efficacy tended not to be correlated with changes in instructional time. Contextual factors beyond teachers’ direct control, such as curricular and testing requirements in mathematics and language arts influenced time allotted to science instruction.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Education, University of California, Irvine, 3200 Education Building, Irvine, CA, 92697-5500, USA

    Judith Haymore Sandholtz

  2. WestEd, 400 Seaport Court, Suite 222, Redwood City, CA, 94063, USA

    Cathy Ringstaff

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  1. Judith Haymore Sandholtz
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  2. Cathy Ringstaff
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Correspondence to Judith Haymore Sandholtz.

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Sandholtz, J.H., Ringstaff, C. Inspiring Instructional Change in Elementary School Science: The Relationship Between Enhanced Self-efficacy and Teacher Practices. J Sci Teacher Educ 25, 729–751 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10972-014-9393-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10972-014-9393-0

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