International Journal of Curriculum and Instructional Studies, cilt.13, sa.1, ss.123-157, 2023 (Hakemli Dergi)
This
study explores the relationships between teachers’ beliefs about teaching,
self-efficacy beliefs for teaching and their attitude towards the
implementation of curriculum change through the mediating role of their
readiness for change. In so doing, the study seeks to suggest an advanced
approach to manifest the complex relations among the investigated variables.
Designed as correlational research, the study included 422 teachers selected
through cluster random sampling from elementary, middle, and high schools. The
data were collected through four scales and a demographic information form.
Structural equation modeling was performed to investigate the relationships
between latent variables. The findings indicated that teachers’ beliefs about
teaching, self-efficacy beliefs, and readiness for change are significant predictors
of teachers’ attitudes towards the constructivist curriculum change. However,
the contribution of each component differed on the two sub-dimensions: getting
information about and implementation of constructivist curriculum. In addition,
a mediation effect of teachers’ emotional and intentional readiness was found
for constructivist teaching beliefs. The findings imply that teachers’
self-efficacy and general beliefs about teaching are critical in acknowledging
the curriculum reform and thereby, teachers should be given a voice in
curriculum development. This might encourage them to be the agents of change
rather than the deliverers of the curriculum, which, in turn, might strengthen
their beliefs and attitudes regarding the curriculum change. Given the
significant role of teachers’ emotional and intentional readiness for change,
the findings further offer insights to policymakers to provide teachers with
professional development opportunities for the success and sustainability of
curriculum reforms.