Teacher Efficacy and Science Education in the United Arab Emirates

• In Event: Roundtable Session 8
  In Roundtable Session: Teaching to Motivate and Empower Diverse Learners

Abstract

Abu Dhabi schools have made a commitment towards reforming education through exploring some of the world’s best teaching practices, including making advances in the teaching of science. Most of teachers in Abu Dhabi’s private primary schools are sourced internationally, and are responsible for teaching a culturally diverse student body. The research presented describes the science teaching beliefs of culturally foreign teachers in Abu Dhabi’s primary schools. A standardized teacher self-efficacy instrument specific to science education was used to collect data on teacher’s perceptions of their strengths and weaknesses in the area of science education. Results showed a low sense of self-efficacy in comparison to studies elsewhere in the world, despite cultural similarities of the participating teachers who were largely Westerners.

Authors

• Jase Moussa-Inaty, Zayed University

• Merryn McKinnon

• Lydia C. Barza, Zayed University