Navigating academic performance: Unravelling the relationship between emotional intelligence, learning styles, and science and technology self-efficacy among preservice science teachers

Abstract

This research investigated the effects of emotional intelligence, learning styles, and science and technology self-efficacy on academic performance. Ninety-one preservice science teachers enrolled in the Bachelor of Science degree programs (Science) in education at the University of Ghana for the academic year 2020-2021 participated in this research. The researchers collected data using grade point averages, the Science and Technology Self-Efficacy scale, and the Schutte Self Report Emotional Intelligence Test scale. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, independent samples <i>t</i>-test, Pearson product moment correlation, and hierarchical multiple regression. The key findings in this research were that the study underscores the pivotal role of STEM field self-efficacy, especially for males, emphasizes the significance of nurturing confidence within the STEM field, and reveals a relationship between emotional intelligence and academic performance among preservice science teachers. This study adds to the literature examining factors influencing preservice science teachers' academic performance.