Impact of teacher training on academic self-concept and educational outcomes

Introduction. Current research based on observational design studies characterized the teaching practices that stimulate the development of academic self-concept, but there is a need for experimental and quasi-experimental studies to validate those findings. The present research evaluate the impact of a teacher training program based on academic self-concept stimulation strategies on academic self-concept, attendance and grades of their students. Method. 36 teachers of primary level and 819 students from public schools of the Province of Concepcion, Chile, participated. A quasi-experimental design with pre and post measures was applied. Information was collected through self-report and information available on official records. Results. After the intervention, teachers in the experimental group have greater capacity to stimulate the self-concept of their students, D(1, 41700.91)=17.09, p < 0.001, encouring self-concept related to capacity, work procedures and class participation. Also, the students on experimental group have a greater perception about their capacity to participate in classes after the intervention, dependent on the pre-test perceived capacity, D(1, 983-22)=6.10, p=0.014, and higher attendance rates, D(1, 691.34)=82.50, p<0.001, than control group. Discussions and conclusions. The teacher training program is effective to improve the teaching strategies of stimulating the academic self-concept, the perception of competence to participate in classes of the students and to increase the levels of attendance.