Development of a Social Emotional Learning Teacher Self-Efficacy Scale for Preservice Teachers

• In Event: 45.093 - MTCC Roundtable Session 18
  In Roundtable Session: 45.093-8 - Teachers' Well-Being and Social-Emotional Competencies

Abstract

The importance of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) for success in school and the workplace is widely recognized. Yet, though teachers are expected to lead SEL programs and promote it in the classroom, little attention is given to SEL in teacher training and there is little research investigating SEL in teacher education. This study aimed to create a measure for preservice teachers that assesses perceived teacher efficacy for promoting SEL. A 29-item scale was developed based on a sample of 144 Canadian preservice teachers. Seven subscales were identified from a factor analysis with Cronbach’s α ranging from .72 to .87. The resulting scale provides a tool that researchers can use to understand the SEL self-efficacy beliefs of future teachers.

Authors

• Alexander Gist, The University of British Columbia

• Shelley C. Hymel, The University of British Columbia

• Eva Oberle, The University of British Columbia