The Impact of Teaching and Research Participation on the Professional Development Agency of University Teachers-- Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy

Abstract

This study explores the impact of teaching and research (T&R) participation and self-efficacy on the professional developmentof university teachers. From July to August 2023, 350 university teachers were conveniently sampled from a key university in ShandongProvince. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey using the Teaching and Research Participation Scale, Self-Efficacy Scale, andProfessional Development Agency Scale. The results showed that the average scores for T&R participation, self-efficacy, and professionaldevelopment agency were 4.02, 3.96, and 3.87, respectively. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationships between T&Rparticipation, self-efficacy, and professional development agency (P<0.001). Additionally, T&R participation indirectly affected professionaldevelopment agency through self-efficacy. The study indicates that enhancing T&R participation and self-efficacy among university teacherscan significantly improve their professional development agency. These findings provide theoretical support for university administrators todevelop strategies to enhance teachers’ professional development agency.