How Self-Efficacy in the Classroom Creates Successful Students

Self-efficacy, often defined as the ability to independently set and accomplish goals, is critical to student success in the classroom, as well as later in life. 

Confidence in their ability to achieve can resonate through all areas of a child’s life. Students with a strong sense of efficacy are better able to set goals, complete a series of tasks with these goals in mind, and accomplish their long term objectives, even when faced with setbacks. 

Children who believe in themselves can translate this self esteem into the ability to thrive in the classroom, excel in activities outside of school, and interact with the world around them with confidence. A student’s self esteem can be supported organically in the classroom through interactions with their teachers, their peers, and the material they are learning. 

Success in the classroom builds a sense of self-efficacy, so a student is more confident in their ability to set and complete goals. On the flip side of this, failure in the classroom diminishes a student’s belief in themselves and their chance to succeed. When stumbling blocks occur, helping students work through them and using them as a teachable moment converts disappointment into constructive experiences.

Students who are able to set specific and realistic short-term goals can track their positive progress towards larger achievements. However, seeing another student succeed can also boost a student’s self-confidence as they see their own potential in their peers’ accomplishments. 

Communication within the classroom setting can increase a student’s confidence in themselves. When a teacher verbally encourages a student, it can motivate them toward their goals and help them to believe in their ability to succeed. Positive feedback can push a student towards achieving their goals – while honest, constructive criticism can help them overcome roadblocks. 

Promoting two-way communication between students and their teachers helps students create a plan for their learning that promotes educational goals based on the student’s passions and guides them towards success. 

A student’s learning environment can also impact self-efficacy. Reducing stress and anxiety surrounding academic work and promoting a positive mood within the classroom is critical to a student’s ability to succeed. Students need to be able to feel respected and comfortable when taking chances in the classroom. 

When students believe in themselves, they are given the tools to challenge themselves academically. This same self confidence makes it possible for them to achieve their goals, regardless of setbacks, giving them the strong sense of efficacy necessary to be empowered members of their communities.