Developing a growth mindset means students can develop self-efficacy.

What is self-efficacy?

According to Patricia Noonan and Amy Gaumer Erickson, co-authors of The Skills that Matter, self-efficacy "refers to the perceptions an individual has about [their] capabilities to perform at an expected level, achieve goals, and complete moderately challenging tasks.

There are two essential components for students to develop self-efficacy: 1. the belief that they have the ability to grow. 2. the personal belief in one's own ability to meet goals

Students cannot learn self-efficacy on their own. Teachers must support students in their quest to become self-efficacious!

In order to build self-efficacy in students, teachers can focus on four components:

1. Students experiencing mastery of a moderately challenging task
2. Vicarious experiences and learning through the modeling of peers and adults
3. Verbal persuasion
4. Positive Feedback

In order for students to develop self-efficacy, they must focus on:

1. Previous Performance
2. Observing others performing tasks
3. Verbal and Nonverbal feedback
4. Their emotional state

Using the resources on this page, you can help students develop self-efficacy!

Encourage students to see ability as something that can be changed!