Date of Defense

4-21-2001

Department

Teaching, Learning and Educational Studies

First Advisor

Dr. Marianne Frauenknecht

Second Advisor

Christine Zimmer

Abstract

One major contribution to a teacher's success is their sense of efficacy or confidence in their ability to teach and help students learn. This study was designed to examine teacher efficacy across generations of students who are currently enrolled or have graduated from the School Health Education Program at Western Michigan University. The primary goal of this exploratory study is to determine if differences in perceived teacher efficacy exist among four generations or "levels" of current health candidates and graduates. Two likert-style questionnaires measuring confidence in health strategy and skill administration and general teacher efficacy were distributed to all the School Health candidates currently enrolled in a health class (n=110) and a portion of the graduates (n=60) yielding a 52.3% response rate. A data analysis consisting of frequency, central tendency and dispersion, and analysis of variance showed a significant difference in self-efficacy between candidate/graduate levels. Broken down for sub-scale analysis of the 7 responsibilities of a health educator and ability to disseminate skills/content and manage the classroom, it also revealed a significant difference in the efficacy rate among the levels. Results from the study provide preliminary guidance regarding how to meet the training needs of educators and also experienced teachers containing various levels of efficacy to ensure maximum teacher success.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Campus Only

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