Epistemological Beliefs of Teacher Credential Students (original) (raw)

The epistemological beliefs of teacher-credential students were studied to determine if their beliefs change in sophistication after a semester of training. A convenience sample of 52 white females in their fifth year of college education provided data using a pretest and posttest design. It was found that the sophistication of epistemological beliefs increased over the semester, especially among those with prior teaching experience. Correlations indicated significant relationships between home background and epistemological beliefs. The study concluded that increased personal reflection and teaching experience contribute to higher levels of epistemological belief sophistication.