Science Self-Efficacy

Why Does It Matter?

"Importance of Self-Efficacy" by Transforming Education, 4 minutes

Developing Resilience

Studying a STEM subject is challenging for most students. Knowing that you can overcome whatever hurdle or new challenge comes your way is vital for long-term perseverance in a STEM field.

There are many sources through which we find our self-efficacy, as discussed in the accompanying video by the Transforming Education team. It is important to help and encourage students to cultivate these different sources of self-efficacy to build resilience.

About the Instrument

The Science Self-Efficacy survey aims to understand to what extent are students confident in their abilities to be successful in science. The main focus of this survey is the student's interpretation of their ability to be successful with respect to the world around them:

  • Is the student satisfied with their performance in science?

  • How does the student perceive the success of others?

  • Is the student supported and encouraged by family, teachers, and peers?

  • Does the student have any negative physical, mental, or emotional responses to participating in STEM related activities?

There are 24 questions included in the science self-efficacy survey. Details about the questions and where they come from can be found in the document attached to this page.

START_ScienceSelfEfficacy

Alternative Approaches

This scale was originally developed for math self-efficacy and can be implemented as such.

References

  • Transforming Education. (2017, June 6). Importance of Self-Efficacy [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VW5v6PQ5PEc&feature=youtu.be

  • Usher, E.L., & Pajares, F. (2009). Sources of Self-Efficacy in Mathematics: A Validation Study. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 34(1), 89–101., doi:10.1016/j.cedpsych.2008.09.002.