MEASURING TEACHING EFFICACY OF STUDENT TEACHERS OF UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA

Teaching efficacy is considered one of important variable in research related to teacher education because of its influence in teacher professional development. Besides, teaching efficacy also influences other variables especially in student achievement. The purpose of this study is to measure teaching efficacy of student teachers in Universiti Sains Malaysia. The sample consisted of 122 student teachers. Data analysis collected through the Teachers Sense of Efficacy Scale shows that the student teachers demonstrate high teaching efficacy. They show their highest confidence in classroom management, followed by efficacy in instructional strategies and efficacy in student engagement. However, the researcher raises several issues that can be considered to improve the present teacher training program. This includes lack of confidence to deal with difficult students.