March 2008 Volume 11, Number 4
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Teachers' Sense of Self-Efficacy, English Proficiency, and Instructional Strategies: A Study of Nonnative EFL Teachers in Iran

Zohreh R. Eslami
Texas A&M University
<zohreh.eslamiqatar.tamu.edu>

Azizullah Fatahi
Tarbiat Modarres University
<fazizullahyahoo.com>

Abstract

This study examined the efficacy beliefs of nonnative English speaking (NNES) Iranian EFL teachers. EFL teachers' perceptions of their teaching efficacy in terms of personal capabilities to teach English as a Foreign Language (EFL) and their perceived English language proficiency level were examined. A modified version of the Teacher Sense of Efficacy Scale (Tschannen-Moran & Woolfolk Hoy, 2001) was used to assess efficacy for management, engagement, and instructional strategies. Based on Chacón's (2005) study, two other subscales (self-reported proficiency and pedagogical strategies) were also used. The results showed that the teachers' perceived efficacy was positively correlated with self-reported English proficiency. The findings also revealed that the more efficacious the teachers felt, the more inclined they were to use communicative-based strategies. The study has implications for the preparation of NNES teachers and the support they need to develop their language proficiency, which in turn is related to their perceived self-efficacy. Introduction

Keywords: EFL, ESL, efficacy, confidence, professional development, Iran

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