Teacher candidates' teaching-learning conceptions and self-efficacy in organizing out-of-school trips: The mediating role of lifelong learning

This study aimed to examine whether lifelong learning has a mediating role in the relationship between teacher candidates' teaching-learning conceptions and self-efficacy in organizing out-of-school trips. Structural Equation Modeling was used to determine this relationship. The study sample consisted of 341 teacher candidates. The study data were collected using the Teaching and Learning Conceptions Questionnaire, the Self-Efficacy Belief Scale for Planning and Organizing Educational Out-of-school Trips, and the Lifelong Learning Scale. Participants' ages ranged from 18 to 30 (M = 23.26; SD = 2.62). According to the findings of the study, positive and significant relationships were found between teacher candidates' teaching-learning conceptions and lifelong learning and their self-efficacy in organizing out-of-school trips. The structural equation model of the study was confirmed. In conclusion, teacher candidates' lifelong learning tendencies were found to strengthen the relationship between teaching-learning conceptions and self-efficacy in organizing out-of-school trips.