Abstract:
ABSTRACT
THE EFFECT OF EARLY EXPERIENCE ON THE SELF-CONFIDENCE
OF 2ND SEMESTER (PRACTICUM II/III) STUDENT TEACHERS: A
SELF-REFLECTION COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN
THOSE WHO HAVE COMPLETED THE INSTITUTION’S
MINIMUM FIELD-BASED PREREQUISITE AND THOSE
WITH ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
by
Kate Buckley
Master of Science in Social Science
California State University, Chico
Spring 2010
There is a seemingly endless assortment of constructive and positive ways
college students can get involved, get connected, and perhaps as a result, develop higher
levels of confidence. Who takes advantage of the experiences and opportunities available
and do they make a difference in their long-term success not only during their college
years, but ultimately in their professional careers? The purpose of this study was to
consider not only the variety of opportunities and activities college students get involved
in, and in the case of this study, student teachers, but the self-confidence, emotional
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intelligence and self efficacy gained as a result. How all of this lends itself to their overall
sense of confidence and effectiveness as student teachers was also explored and analyzed.
A total of 183 students enrolled in one of the 6 credential programs at CSU,
Chico spring semester 2009, and weeks away from completing their student teaching
obligation, were surveyed.
Data collected from the survey results showed a wide and diverse array of
involvement, both working with youth and not working with youth – many were involved
in community and civic engagement projects, campus-based activities, leadership
roles, internships, and in some cases, had jobs as supervisors and managers at businesses
in the local community to pay for college and living expenses.
Which students take advantage of the experiences and opportunities available
through campus and community connections? Do they make a difference in their
confidence and long term success? Upon reflection, did they feel it would have been
more beneficial to their overall sense of self-confidence if they had more experiences
before entering the credential program? Interesting and significant results collected
from the data and research conducted supports that higher levels of involvement, as a
result of earlier experiences, tends to increase an overall sense of self-confidence.
