Factors Influencing the Teaching Beliefs of University Faculty Members during Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Taiwanese university educators’ efficacy is traditionally associated with the belief in aligning teaching and learning outcomes. However, existing research on teacher efficacy involving modern university educators is limited. We bridge this gap by exploring university educators’ perceived efficacy and the factors that influence those perceptions. We surveyed teachers from a national university in southern Taiwan using the Teacher Efficacy Scale and interviews about the source of efficacy beliefs. We obtained 74 survey responses and descriptive statistics and analysis of variance were performed. During the interviews, four qualitative data sets were collected, and we analyzed the data using a continuous comparison analysis method. Generally, participants had medium- to high-levels of perceived efficacy; however, levels differed by gender. Efficacy scores were also higher in course design, technology usage, and classroom management, compared to instructional strategies and learning assessments. The main sources of efficacy perception included mastery experience, role models, student-teacher relationship, professional growth, and student support. Our findings suggest several strategies for follow-up research to promote university educators’ sense of efficacy.