Social Sciences and Humanities Open (Jan 2024)
From good to great: International faculty's efficacy in teaching and language and teaching philosophy evolution in the United States
Abstract
The diversity and internationalization of academia enable U.S. higher education to acquire professionals from a global pool. However, few have researched whether levels of self-perceived efficacy in teaching, language, and technology differ in academic and personal identities. Moreover, less is known about their acquisition and improvement of pedagogical strategies. The current research used a mixed methods study to explore the complexity of instruction-related efficacy and experiences. A total of 113 international faculty (IF) completed an anonymous online Qualtrics survey between 2021 and 2022. The survey measured teaching, English, and technology efficacy. Five semi–structured interviews and classroom observations were also conducted. Results showed that: (1) Cultural and policy English efficacy, not course-related English or technology efficacy, significantly influenced their teaching efficacy. (2) Novice and non-tenure groups showed disadvantages in teaching and language. (3) IF exhibit a dynamic pedagogical approach, iteratively refining teaching beliefs and strategies based on feedback. The growth pattern of IF shows consistent themes across individual trajectories. This evolution can be categorized into three layers, beginning with a foundational layer, striving to convey course content effectively. In the relationship layer, they focus on fostering connections with students. Finally, in the desirable layer, IF are geared towards guiding students to derive maximum benefit from the classroom experience and enhance their future career prospects. Ensuring a better cultural and policy understanding in the U.S. is crucial to IF's early career success. The current research suggests that universities in the U.S. offer training programs to help IF, especially novice and non-tenure track IF, prepare to adapt to departmental and institutional cultures, policies, and standards.
