Exploring Relationships Between Teaching Efficacy and Student Teacher – Cooperating Teacher Relationships

Abstract

Teaching efficacy beliefs of agricultural science student teachers, and their relationship with their cooperating teachers during field experiences, are variables that may affect the number of student teachers entering the profession. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects implementing structured communication between student teachers and cooperating teachers on student teachers’ self– perceived teaching efficacy, and the relationship between the student teacher and cooperating teacher. This study employed a quasi–experimental design with a non–random sample in a multiple time–series design. The average respondent in this study was a 23 year old white undergraduate female placed at a multiple placement cooperating center. Based on data from this study, it was concluded that structured communication did not affect teaching efficacy or the relationship between the student teacher and cooperating teacher.