Self-efficacy in STEM

Self-efficacy, the belief that one has the skill and capacity to accomplish a specific task in a specific domain, is a robust predictor of academic achievement, especially in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Self-efficacy develops based on experiences mastering a task, vicarious observation of others succeeding at performing a task, social persuasion, and interpretation of physiological reactions. Educational interventions can foster self-efficacy by including achievable goals that favor positive experiences of mastery, assistance in developing self-regulatory strategies, the use of role models with whom the learner can identify, and feedback from figures relevant to the learner.