Efficacy refers to an individual’s belief in their capabilities. Self-efficacy influences the choices we are confident in making, which, in turn, influences the degree of ownership and impact they have in our lives.
When learners believe they can succeed, they are more motivated, more resilient, and more likely to take on challenges. This belief in their abilities allows them to navigate through difficult situations with confidence, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth. At Avinya International School, we consider students as partners in the learning process. In this partnership, teachers work alongside students, meet with small groups and individuals as needed, and monitor learning to provide feedback. We also believe that students with a strong sense of self-efficacy bring a stronger sense of agency to the learning community.
Ways to Develop self-efficacy in young learners–
1. Create a Positive Learning Environment
A safe and nurturing environment is the foundation for learners to develop a strong sense of self-efficacy. When students feel valued and respected, they are more likely to take risks in their learning. This means looking at mistakes as a natural part of the learning process.
At Avinya International School, we focus on building relationships with students, showing empathy and support, and promoting a sense of belonging. A positive learning environment encourages learners to express themselves, ask questions, and collaborate with others, knowing that their voices and ideas are important.
2. Setting Achievable Goals
Setting goals is a key strategy in understanding how to improve self-efficacy. It is important that these goals are realistic and achievable. We encourage learners to set small, incremental goals. These smaller steps lead to a sense of accomplishment as each goal is achieved, which in turn strengthens their belief in their ability to succeed.
3. Provide Constructive Feedback
Constructive feedback for students is a vital tool in building self-efficacy, as it provides learners with the information they need to improve and grow.
However, feedback must be constructive and focused on effort and progress rather than just outcomes. Praise the effort, persistence, and strategies used rather than the final result.
4. Encourage Reflection and Self-Assessment
An essential part of learning how to improve self-efficacy is helping learners understand their own strengths and areas for improvement. Encouraging reflection and self-assessment helps students take ownership of their learning. By reflecting on their experiences, students learn to recognize what they did well and what they can do differently next time. Through self-assessment and reflection, students foster a growth mindset, and view challenges as opportunities to develop rather than obstacles to avoid.
5. Foster a Growth Mindset and Self-Efficacy
At Avinya International School, we emphasize the importance of effort, persistence, and resilience in the face of challenges to promote a growth mindset and self-efficacy. Students are encouraged to view mistakes as valuable learning experiences. By fostering this mindset, they are more likely to take on challenges with confidence, knowing that their abilities will grow with time and effort.
Promote Collaborative Learning
Collaboration is a powerful tool for building self-efficacy. When students work together on tasks, they have the opportunity to share ideas, learn from each other, and support one another. Collaborative learning helps build social and communication skills and reinforces the idea that learning is not a solitary endeavour but a shared journey. Students who collaborate are more likely to feel empowered, as they contribute their own ideas and recognize the value of their contributions.
Encourage Independence and Problem-Solving
Allowing learners to make choices and solve problems on their own helps build autonomy and a sense of control over their learning. When students feel they can make decisions and tackle challenges independently, they develop a strong sense of self-efficacy. We are committed to providing opportunities and a supportive environment for students to engage in problem-solving, encouraging them to come up with solutions and think critically.
Developing self-efficacy in young learners is about more than just academic performance. It’s about instilling the belief that they are capable, resilient, and able to learn from their experiences. By understanding how to improve self-efficacy, focusing on constructive feedback for students, and fostering a growth mindset and self-efficacy, educators empower learners to achieve their potential.
We want to equip our learners with the tools they need to navigate their educational journey and beyond. With a strong sense of self-efficacy, our students will not only achieve academic success but also become lifelong learners who embrace challenges and continue to grow.
Shraddha Singh
Primary School Teacher
Avinya International School