From Belief to Practice: Teacher Self-Efficacy in Teaching Phonics to Preschool Students

Ryan Andisky Asrul; Sukardi Weda; Fitriyani Fitriyani

doi:10.34050/els-jish.v8i3.45825

Authors

Ryan Andisky Asrul Universitas Negeri Makassar
Sukardi Weda Universitas Negeri Makassar
Fitriyani Fitriyani Universitas Negeri Makassar

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.34050/els-jish.v8i3.45825

Keywords:

teacher self-efficacy, phonics, preschool, early literacy

Abstract

This study explores preschool teachers’ self-efficacy in teaching phonics to young learners in a bilingual early childhood setting in Makassar, Indonesia. Although phonics is a widely supported approach to early reading, its application across Indonesian preschools remains inconsistent, especially outside English-based programs. This research aims to examine how teachers perceive their self-efficacy in phonics instruction and understand how these beliefs influence classroom implementation. A descriptive qualitative method was employed, involving three preschool teachers. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and classroom observations. The analysis was guided by Tschannen-Moran and Hoy’s (2001) framework covering instructional strategies, classroom management, and student engagement. Findings revealed that the participants demonstrated high or moderate-to-high self-efficacy in adapting phonics strategies, managing classroom behavior, and engaging students. Classroom observations largely confirmed alignment between teachers’ stated beliefs and their instructional practices. The study concludes that teacher self-efficacy significantly affects the quality and consistency of phonics instruction. It recommends that schools support teacher development through reflective practice, peer observation, and accessible teaching resources to improve early literacy outcomes.

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