Challenges and fundamental skills for primary school teachers: Developing self-efficacy beliefs scale

The study aims to shed light on the strengths of the primary school teaching profession and the fundamental skills that a primary school teacher (PST) should have while also taking into account the views of the PSTs. However, based on the data collected, the objective is to develop a self-efficacy belief scale (SEBS) for PSTs and teacher candidates. The first stage was carried out with 80 PSTs with at least five years of professional experience. 763 PSTs and PST candidates participated in second stage of the study. A SEBS was developed for PSTs and teacher candidates in light of the obtained data. Descriptive analysis and content analysis were used for qualitative data. The categories of being a teacher in village school, administration-colleague and parent-related problems, student self-care, pedagogical qualifications, and personal and professional development were attained concerning the challenges and fundamental skills for PSTs. Scale development steps were followed second stage of the study. The SEBS containing three sub-dimensions and 19 items is assumed to be helpful and valid and reliable metrics.