Self-Assessment of Primary School Teachers' Competences: Factors Influencing Perceptions of Education

Strategic Insights -

A new study from the University of Novi Sad has shed light on the factors influencing primary school teachers' perceptions of their own competences in various educational areas. The research analyzed the self-assessments of 180 primary school teachers from Serbia, using a modified SITE II research instrument. The findings revealed statistically significant differences in the self-assessments of educational areas, particularly in arts and sports. The study also found that initial education and professional development significantly influenced teachers' perceptions of their competences, with implications for improving educational practices.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed the self-assessments of 180 primary school teachers from Serbia, using a modified SITE II research instrument.
  • The research revealed statistically significant differences in the self-assessments of educational areas, particularly in arts and sports.
  • Initial education significantly influenced teachers' perceptions of their competences in two dimensions: Learning Environment and Effective Communication and Subject Knowledge in the field of natural sciences.
  • Professional development and self-assessment of achievements significantly affected teachers' perceptions of their competences in the field of arts and sports.
  • The study found that respondents with more professional development in social or natural sciences achieved lower results than those in sports and arts.
  • The research has implications for improving educational practices, highlighting the importance of understanding the relationship between professional development and primary school teachers' perceptions of competences.

Statistics:

  • 180 primary school teachers from Serbia participated in the study.
  • The research instrument used was a modified SITE II.
  • Statistically significant differences were found between the self-assessments of educational areas, particularly in arts and sports (p < 0.05).
  • Initial education influenced teachers' perceptions of their competences in 2 dimensions: Learning Environment and Effective Communication and Subject Knowledge in the field of natural sciences.
  • Professional development affected teachers' perceptions of competences in the field of arts and sports, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05).

Sources:

  • "Self-assessment of primary school teachers' competences in different areas: the influence of initial education and professional development" (Inovacije u Nastavi, 2025, 38(2): 52-67).
  • University of Belgrade, Teacher Education Faculty (publisher of Inovacije u Nastavi).
  • doi: 10.5937/inovacije2502052M (free version of the journal article).