ERIC Number: EJ1233237
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1551-2169
EISSN: N/A
Effect of a Required Introductory American Federal Government Course on the Political Self-Efficacy of Community College Students in 2016
Matthews, Kristin; Hullinger, Hallet
Journal of Political Science Education, v15 n4 p433-442 2019
Political self-efficacy is the belief that one can influence political processes and is an indicator of society's political health. Although political self-efficacy may change over time, education is a powerful influence. Emphasizing civic and general education functions, the community college provided a unique environment to study student political self-efficacy. This study investigated the effect of a required introductory American federal government class (American Government 101) on the overall, internal, and external political self-efficacy of students at a large, Midwestern community college. It also investigated student perspectives regarding this general education requirement. Survey research was conducted with a sample of students enrolled in American Government 101 in Spring 2016. As a follow-up, six survey completers were interviewed, and four themes were identified during the qualitative analysis. The analysis of quantitative data revealed significant change in overall and internal political self-efficacy. There was no significant change in external political self-efficacy. Qualitative analysis generated four themes: positive perspectives on general education, eye-opening information, engaging instruction and atmosphere, and personal democratic outcomes. Corroboration of data between data sources resulted in three conclusions. First, American Government 101 can positively influence political self-efficacy. Second, the lack of significant change in external political self-efficacy may be a result of the type of information students are exposed to in American Government 101. Third, age appears to influence the amount of change that takes place in political self-efficacy.
Descriptors: United States Government (Course), Introductory Courses, Required Courses, Self Efficacy, Community Colleges, Two Year College Students, Instructional Effectiveness, Citizenship Education, Student Attitudes
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Two Year Colleges
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Oklahoma (Tulsa)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A