Article

The discursive construction of mathematics teacher self-efficacy

Details

Citation

Xenofontos C & Andrews P (2020) The discursive construction of mathematics teacher self-efficacy. Educational Studies in Mathematics, 105 (2), pp. 261-283. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10649-020-09990-z

Abstract
Previous studies of in-service teachers indicate strong links between teacher self-efficacy and factors such as instructional quality and pupils’ achievement. Yet, much of this research approaches self-efficacy from the perspective of teaching, and not of subject knowledge. Furthermore, the majority of such studies employ quantitative measures of self-efficacy. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with 22 experienced elementary teachers, this paper takes a different approach. The interviews, broadly focused on teachers’ mathematics-related beliefs, brought to the surface four themes around which teachers construct their mathematics teacher self-efficacy. These concern participants’ perspectives on their mathematics-related past experiences, mathematical competence, ability to realise their didactical visions, and resilience in the face of challenging mathematical situations. These themes, which are discussed in relation to existing literature, not only confirm the complexity of self-efficacy but highlight the need for greater attention to its conceptualisation and measurement.

Keywords
mathematics; mathematics teaching; qualitative approach; teachers’ self-efficacy

Journal
Educational Studies in Mathematics: Volume 105, Issue 2

StatusPublished
Publication date31/10/2020
Publication date online13/10/2020
Date accepted by journal15/09/2020
URLhttp://hdl.handle.net/1893/31691
ISSN0013-1954
eISSN1573-0816

People (1)

Dr Constantinos Xenofontos

Dr Constantinos Xenofontos

Lecturer, Education