The Impact of Graded Practicum Course Lesson Enactments on Preservice Teachers’ Self-Efficacy Ratings and Performance Rubric Scores

Abstract

This quantitative observational study explored changes in preservice teachers’ self-efficacy ratings and performance rubric scores during a single-semester practicum course. The participants, 29 preservice teachers, spent one full day each week in an elementary classroom observing and practicing various aspects of teaching. Central to the course were two graded practice teaching opportunities referred to as lesson enactments. The Teacher Sense of Efficacy Scale (TSES) was administered prior to the first lesson enactment series and after completion of final enactments to measure changes in teacher self-efficacy. All lesson enactments were scored using a course performance rubric. This study aimed to explore the impacts of practicum-based lesson enactments on preservice teachers’ self-efficacy ratings and rubric scores. Paired t-tests were used to analyze changes in teacher self-efficacy ratings and changes in rubric scores. Associations between TSES ratings and rubric scores were explored through comparisons of final TSES ratings and performance rubric scores using Pearson’s r calculations and Spearman’s rank calculations. The results indicated significant increases in both self-efficacy ratings and performance rubric scores, demonstrating the value of incorporating graded lesson enactments in practicum courses. The results of correlations between TSES ratings and rubric scores provided an initial examination of associations between the two instruments exposed areas where future research would benefit educator preparation efforts. These findings have implications for enhancing practicum course designs to better support preservice teacher preparation. Recommendations for future research include further exploration of factors that influence self-efficacy ratings and development, feedback methods, and how these preparation elements can be most effectively combined to optimize lesson enactment opportunities during practicum courses