ERIC Number: EJ1383578
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0047-231X
EISSN: EISSN-1943-4898
Teaching Assistant Responses to COVID-19: Investigating Relationships between Stress, Self-Efficacy, and Approaches to Teaching
Smith, Cody; Menon, Deepika; Wierzbicki, Annette; Dauer, Jenny
Journal of College Science Teaching, v52 n3 p11-19 Jan-Feb 2023
Undergraduate and graduate teaching assistants (TAs) are tasked with instructing undergraduate courses with little to no professional development (PD). To better develop PD opportunities, it is important to understand the benefits of improving TAs' self-efficacy and the stressors associated with their roles. This study investigated how stress related to the COVID-19 disruption of the spring 2020 semester affected TAs' self-efficacy. Pre-, mid-, and postsemester surveys of self-efficacy and perceived stress were analyzed along with a structured postsemester interview addressing TAs' stress related to the disruption. Although no relationships were found between self-efficacy and stress, qualitative results indicated that stressors related to changes in and uncertainty around their responsibilities influenced TAs' confidence in their teaching. The results of this study are discussed in relation to PD programs providing experiences with multiple teaching modalities, strategies for time management, and mental health resources.
Descriptors: Teaching Assistants, COVID-19, Pandemics, Anxiety, Self Efficacy, Teaching Methods, Professional Development, Attitudes, Undergraduate Study, STEM Education, Electronic Learning
National Science Teaching Association. 1840 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201-3000. Tel: 800-722-6782; Fax: 703-243-3924; e-mail: membership@nsta.org; Web site: https://www.nsta.org/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A