Exploring Socialization and Teaching Self-Efficacy through a Community of Practice for International Teaching Assistants

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Leah Hakkola
Ming Tso Chien, Mr.
Karen Pelletreau, Dr.

Abstract

International teaching assistants face unique and often challenging experiences when entering graduate studies in the United States. Challenges include navigating socialization into graduate education, and instructional, linguistic, and social difficulties. Communities of Practice can impart academic knowledge and information to assist with teacher self-efficacy, while simultaneously helping with creating a sense of community for graduate students. This multi-methods case study examined the impacts of a Community of Practice designed to socialize international teaching assistants and improve teacher self-efficacy. Researchers found that participation in this learning community enhanced teaching self-efficacy, heightened self-confidence, strengthened social relationships, and increased participants’ sense of belonging.

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How to Cite
Hakkola, L., Chien, M. T., & Pelletreau, K. (2020). Exploring Socialization and Teaching Self-Efficacy through a Community of Practice for International Teaching Assistants. Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, 20(3). https://doi.org/10.14434/josotl.v20i3.28718
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Articles
Author Biographies

Ming Tso Chien, Mr., University of Maine

Ming-Tso Chien is a doctoral student of Literacy Education at the University of Maine. He is mainly interested in exploring transnational and cross-cultural experiences in educational settings through linguistic and social perspectives. His current research is centered around the relationship between intercultural interactions and second language socialization among international secondary students.

Karen Pelletreau, Dr., University of Maine

Karen Pelletreau is the Manager of Programs, Workshops and Training at the University of Maine’s Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning. She received her PhD from the University of Delaware in Marine Biosciences.