The Influence of Experiential and Sociocultural Factors on Efficacy and Instructional Practices: Four Case Studies of Primary Teachers of Writing
Year: 2010
Type: article
Abstract: The purposes of this qualitative, multi-case study were (1) to find similarities and differences in writing instruction between self-reported high and low efficacy teachers and (2) to explore the sociocultural and experiential influences which impacted the development of these teachers' self-efficacy in writing.This study included four cases, two kindergarten and two first grade teachers.Two of the participants reported high efficacy, while the other two reported low efficacy on a writing Self-Efficacy Scale.Data were collected using interviews, classroom observations, and collection of documents.The constant comparative method of qualitative analysis was used to analyze the data.As conceptual categories emerged from the analysis, the evidence was sorted into categories.Comparison of the categories to one another resulted in theory that is grounded in these findings and this context.Data analysis revealed two major findings:(1) classroom instruction of high efficacy teachers was more systematic, studentcentered, and process-oriented than that of the low efficacy teachers and (2) influences on participants' efficacy included early writing experiences in the home and school, and the influence of colleagues after the participants began their teaching careers.The grounded theory generated from these findings suggests that the writing instruction of teachers with high efficacy is more systematic, more student-centered and more process-oriented, the interactions and responses humans get from other human beings appear to be a critical factor in the development of writing self-efficacy, and having high self-efficacy as a writer, resulting from positive experiences in regard to writing, increases the chances of a teacher having high self-efficacy as a teacher of writing.v DEDICATION This study is dedicated to my husband, Chris, who refuses to take credit or be acknowledged for the overwhelming support, love and patience he has provided throughout our marriage and this process, even though he deserves every ounce of it and more.Additionally, this study is dedicated to my children, Brooke, Aubrey, and Braydon.Hopefully they have taken from this process lessons about the importance of having a passion in life that leads you to accomplish great things and persistence that allows you to arrive at your destination with a feeling of great pride.
Author: Brandi Noll
Institution: University of Akron
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2261719523