Teacher Candidates’ Satisfaction and Teaching Confidence in Brunei’s M.Teach Programme: A Programme Evaluation

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study evaluates teacher candidates’ satisfaction with Brunei Darussalam’s M.Teach (Master of Teaching) programme and its relationship to teaching confidence, using survey data from the 2016-2017 graduating cohort (n=94)—the first systematic evaluation since the programme’s inception in 2009. A mixed-methods design combined descriptive statistics, Spearman’s correlation, and multiple regression analysis with thematic analysis of open-ended responses. Teacher candidates reported moderate-to-high satisfaction (M=18.6, SD=4.64). Satisfaction correlated positively with confidence in professional knowledge and skills (r? = .411, p < .001) and professional engagement (r? = .490, p < .001). Regression analysis identified practicum satisfaction as the strongest predictor of confidence in professional knowledge and skills (? = .38, p < .001), whereas feedback quality was the strongest predictor of professional engagement confidence (? = .41, p < .001). Qualitative analysis revealed four key tensions in the programme: practicum experiences that were valuable but varied widely; feedback that was appreciated but inconsistently delivered; heavy coursework that competed with school placement demands; and institutional support that existed on paper but was difficult to access in practice. Findings provide an empirical baseline for programme reform and call for longitudinal evaluation to assess change over time.
KEY WORD: Initial Teacher Preparation; Teacher Satisfaction; Teacher Confidence; Teaching Practicum; Programme Evaluation. 

ABSTRAKSI: “Kepuasan Calon Guru dan Keyakinan Mengajar dalam Program M.Teach Brunei: Satu Penilaian Program”. Kajian ini menilai kepuasan calon guru terhadap program M.Teach (Sarjana Pengajaran) Brunei Darussalam dan hubungannya dengan keyakinan mengajar, menggunakan data tinjauan daripada kohort graduan 2016-2017 (n=94) — penilaian sistematik pertama sejak penubuhan program ini pada tahun 2009. Reka-bentuk kaedah campuran menggabungkan statistik deskriptif, korelasi Spearman, dan analisis regresi berganda dengan analisis tematik respons terbuka. Calon guru melaporkan kepuasan sederhana hingga tinggi (M=18.6, SD=4.64). Kepuasan berkorelasi positif dengan keyakinan terhadap pengetahuan dan kemahiran profesional (r? = .411, p < .001) dan penglibatan profesional (r? = .490, p < .001). Analisis regresi mengenal-pasti kepuasan praktikum sebagai peramal keyakinan terkuat terhadap pengetahuan dan kemahiran profesional (? = .38, p < .001), manakala kualiti maklum balas merupakan peramal keyakinan penglibatan profesional terkuat (? = .41, p < .001). Analisis kualitatif mendedahkan empat ketegangan utama dalam program ini: pengalaman praktikum yang berharga tetapi berbeza-beza secara meluas; maklum balas yang dihargai tetapi disampaikan secara tidak konsisten; kerja kursus yang berat yang bersaing dengan tuntutan penempatan sekolah; dan sokongan institusi yang wujud di atas kertas tetapi sukar diakses dalam amalan. Penemuan menyediakan garis dasar empirikal untuk pembaharuan program dan memerlukan penilaian membujur untuk menilai perubahan dari semasa ke semasa.
KATA KUNCI: Persediaan Guru Awal; Kepuasan Guru; Keyakinan Guru; Praktikum Mengajar; Penilaian Program.

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About the Authors: Dr. Jainatul Halida Jaidin, Dr. Rosmawijah Jawawi, and Dr. Roslinawati Mohd Roslan are Senior Assistant Professors at SHBIE UBD (Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Education, Universiti Brunei Darussalam); Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sallimah Mohd Salleh is Senior Lecturer at SHBIE UBD; Dr. Marlizayati Johari is Deputy Dean of Research, Innovation and Sustainability at SHBIE UBD; Dr. Juraidah Musa is Deputy Dean of Academic and Student Affairs at SHBIE UBD; and Dr. Shamsiah Zuraini Kanchanawati Tajuddin is Permanent Secretary (Core Education), Ministry of Education, Brunei Darussalam. Corresponding Author: rosmawijah.jawawi@ubd.edu.bn  

Suggested Citation: Jaidin, J.H. et al. [R. Jawawi, R.M. Roslan, S.M. Salleh, M. Johari, J. Musa & S.Z.K. Tajuddin]. (2026). “Teacher Candidates’ Satisfaction and Teaching Confidence in Brunei’s M.Teach Programme: A Programme Evaluation” in MIMBAR PENDIDIKAN: Jurnal Indonesia untuk Kajian Pendidikan, Volume 11(2), September, pp.1-14. Bandung, Indonesia: MINDAMAS (Minda Masagi Suci) Foundation and ASPENSI (International Association for Historians and History Educators) in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia with ISSN 2527-3868 (print) and 2503-457X (online).

Article Timeline: Accepted (July 27, 2026); Revised (August 31, 2026); and Published (September 30, 2026).