Research self-efficacy sources and research motivation in a foreign language university faculty in Mexico: implications for educational policy |
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Authors: | María del Rosario Reyes-Cruz Moisés Damián Perales-Escudero |
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Institution: | Department of Languages and Education, University of Quintana Roo, Chetumal, México |
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Abstract: | The research self-efficacy and motivation of foreign language (FL) faculty in periphery countries is under-researched, yet there is a need to understand the impact of public policies that drive such faculty to conduct research. This paper reports a qualitative case study investigating research self-efficacy and research motivation in a group of Mexican FL professors. Interview data show variation in self-efficacy levels connected with academic degree, motivation types and strategic behaviors. Professors with doctorates, intrinsic motivation and use of strategies showed the highest self-efficacy. Professors with master's degrees and low motivation show the lowest self-efficacy. Previous experience and mentoring are influential sources of self-efficacy. Policies such as forced collaboration, financial rewards and the threat of employment termination seem to exert some effect on self-efficacy. It is recommended that policies be enacted to recognize and promote mentoring formally. |
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Keywords: | Faculty career higher educational policy motivation research development |
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