Bandura's four sources of self-efficacy as a framework for educator practice with marginalised students¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · 2 claims (2 for) · 3 studies (2 review, 1 theoretical), q1–q2 · 0 of 3 report an effect size · 1 claim rests on one study

Description¶

The paper applies Bandura's social cognitive theory, under which perceived self-efficacy refers to "beliefs in one's capabilities to organize [sic] and execute the courses of action required to produce given attainments". Self-efficacy can be increased via four sources: mastery experiences, verbal persuasion, vicarious experiences, and emotional/physiological (psychological) states. The article argues each source requires an external element which, for students, is the educator, and that weaving all four into pedagogical practice can instigate positive modelling that increases both self-efficacy and sense of belonging.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Each of the four sources requires an external element, which for students is the educator, so the framework depends on educator-student interaction.

Constraints¶

• The paper notes mastery experiences are the most researched source and are presented in the literature as the ideal method to improve self-efficacy.

Target Learners¶

• marginalised students in Australian higher education, including enabling-program students

Target Learning Objectives¶

• academic self-efficacy
• sense of belonging to the university field
• student agency

Claims¶

• Student Educator Relationship Builds Self Efficacy And Belonging [+W]
• Learners' task-specific self-efficacy beliefs predict whether they initiate, persist through, and recover from difficulty on academic tasks. [+M]

Related Theories¶

• Self-Efficacy Theory
• Bandura's four self-efficacy building experiences framework

Examples¶

• Communicating Positive Expectations
• Design intervention programs building academic self-efficacy (vicarious learning, progressive mastery, positive feedback) before and alongside AI integration for students with motor disabilities

Key Sources¶

• Larsen, A., & James, T. (2022). A sense of belonging in Australian higher education: the significance of self-efficacy and the student-educator relationship. Journal of University Teaching & Learning Practice, 19(4). https://ro.uow.edu.au/jutlp/vol19/iss4/05. doi:10.53761/1.19.4.5