Efficacy, Explore, and Exchange: Studies on Social Side of Teacher Education from England, Spain, and US

Abstract

This study attempts to respond to a recent call for a more social and collaborative approach to teacher education and professional development by examining the social side of pre-service teachers during preparations from England, Spain and US. We explore core factors that are associated with dyads of pre-service teachers in exchanging instructional materials at the end of a teacher education program from each setting. Using social network selection models, this study investigates the extent to which pre-service teachers’ reported self-efficacy, peer trust, innovativeness, and demographic characteristics is associated with the sending, receiving, and reciprocating instructional materials. Findings suggest the important role of self-efficacy and innovativeness in explaining pre-service teachers’ seeking behaviors across the study contexts.