Assessing Chinese primary mathematics teachers’ self-efficacy for technology integration: Development and validation of a multifaceted scale

Abstract

This study was dedicated to developing the Scale of Mathematics Teachers’ Technology Integration (SMTTI), a comprehensive instrument designed to assess the competencies of primary mathematics teachers in integrating digital technologies. The research encompassed data collection through a web-based questionnaire distributed to mathematics teachers across Chongqing, China. Both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to determine the SMTTI's efficacy as a measurement tool. These analyses established the robust reliability and validity of the SMTTI, affirming its effectiveness as an instrument for assessing the technology integration capabilities of mathematics teachers. The scale exhibited excellent psychometric properties, characterized by strong factor loadings, high internal consistency, and good model fit indices. The SMTTI advances educational technology research by providing a nuanced self-efficacy assessment tool that aligns with the emergent needs of post-pandemic education environments. Its distinctiveness lies in its empirical foundation and tailored approach to evaluating primary mathematics teachers’ self-efficacy for technology integration. The scale fills a critical gap in the existing literature by delivering a context-specific tool designed for the post-digital transition in educational practice, aiding in the formulation of targeted professional development programs and policy making. This addresses a need for updated instruments in the field, complementing the self-reported surveys focusing on practical application and current educational demands. The SMTTI contributes to refining the use of digital technology in educational settings by providing an instrument sensitive to the context-specific needs of teachers, thereby supporting more accurate instruments in this evolving domain.