Pre-Service Mathematics Teachers’ Social Network Site Self-Efficacy with a Buddypress Platform for Final-Year Research Project Supervision

Abstract

This study investigated final-year students’ social network site self-efficacy and perceptions of a researcher-designed BuddyPress-based system used for research project supervision. The study was motivated by the increasing adoption of online supervision systems in higher education and the need to examine how such platforms support undergraduate research activities. The research is guided by three research questions. The study adopted an embedded mixed methods design involving 14 final-year undergraduate students of Mathematics Education at a University in Nigeria. Data were collected using the Social Network Site Self-Efficacy Scale (SNS-SES) and structured written interviews administered online via JotForm. Quantitative data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation, while qualitative responses were analyzed thematically using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis. The findings revealed that students demonstrated a high level of social network self-efficacy on the BuddyPress supervision platform (grand mean = 3.39) across task-oriented, interpersonal, social, and emotional dimensions. However, students identified challenges such as network instability, server downtime, delayed communication, lack of notification features, and varying ICT competencies. Students’ suggestions for improvement included enhanced infrastructure stability, real-time notifications, user-friendly interface design, digital literacy support, and increased interactive features. The study concludes that the BuddyPress-based supervision platform is a viable and engaging approach for research supervision, but its effectiveness can be improved through better technical infrastructure and user support systems. Recommendations to key stakeholders within higher education were made on the premise that strengthening students’ technological confidence and self-efficacy would improve participation, reduce anxiety related to online engagement, and enhance overall research productivity.