A study on the English self-efficacy beliefs of university preparatory class students

This study examined preparatory class students' English self-efficacy beliefs with the aim of reaching findings to be benefited while designing, applying and evaluating English curricula. 426 students, who completed The Self-Efficacy Scale for English in pre and post-test settings, participated in the study. The causal-comparative and cross-sectional survey designs were conducted in the research. In the first stage, English self-efficacy beliefs of the students were tested in terms of some variables. Next stage was consisted of further data collection about the self-efficacy sources of the students who participated in both pre and post-tests, using a questionnaire of open-ended questions. Frequency and percentages, two of the descriptive statistics, were applied along with paired sample t-test and mixed-design analysis of variance model. Findings revealed preparatory class practices increased the self-efficacy beliefs of students in all sub-dimensions. Furthermore, the length of English education and the students' English self-efficacy beliefs at the end of the preparatory class practices was found to be significant. Findings indicated that the fear of making mistakes, losing face, and not being able to express one's opinion had a negative effect on the self-efficacy beliefs. However, factors that had a positive effect on the students' self-efficacy beliefs included applying the language in productive activities, showing effort to use English in daily life and taking responsibility within the context of the English curriculum, modelling after positive behavior of the teachers and friends, and encouraging expressions by the teachers. In conclusion, in-service training programs for the teachers could be organized, aiming at organizing and applying effective activities, providing better feedback and correction, effective communication with the students, and blending technology in the language lessons. Keywords: English self-efficacy beliefs, English preparatory class curriculum, self-efficacy sources