Author:
Gavora Peter,Pacholík Viktor,Navrátilová Hana,Petrů Puhrová Barbora
Abstract
Self-efficacy is an important teachers’ characteristic that reflects how well they persevere when faced with obstacles. In this study we explored the sources which, according to Albert Bandura’s theory, contribute to changes in self-efficacy. Participants were 984 primary school teachers in the Czech Republic. Two research instruments were employed: (a) ZSE, a scale measuring teachers’ use of sources of self-efficacy and (b) OSTES-Cz, a scale measuring teachers’ instructional efficacy and class management efficacy. Teachers evaluated mastery experiences and emotional states to be the strongest efficacy sources, followed by social persuasion and vicarious experiences. Duration of teaching practice appeared to associate with mastery experiences and vicarious experiences, while social persuasion was related to the type of elementary school. In regression analyses, mastery experiences, emotional states and vicarious experiences significantly predicted instructional efficacy. On the other hand, class management efficacy was significantly predicted by mastery experiences and emotional states. Findings are discussed with reference to future research aiming to overcome methodology limitations.
Publisher
Charles University in Prague, Karolinum Press