The Efficacy Beliefs of Turkish Social Studies Teacher Candidates Regarding the Teaching-Learning Process

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy beliefs of social studies teacher candidates (SSTCs) related to the teaching-learning process. This study focused on the areas of sub-competences of social studies education; and examined whether these competence levels were changed in terms of variables of gender and type of education and what were the expectations of them. The study group was 360 SSTCs continuing education in their final year selected from five universities. To analyze the gathered data, descriptive statistics, correlations, and t-tests were performed. Besides, content analysis was made to analyze the qualitative data. The findings indicated that there was a highly significant positive relation among the areas of sub-competences. Female SSTCs and SSTCs in evening education had significantly higher efficacy beliefs regarding the teaching-learning process. It was also found that SSTCs wanted some modifications towards the teacher training program they received.