Building Self-Efficacy in Students

Self-efficacy, the belief in one’s ability to succeed in a specific task, is a powerful predictor of motivation, persistence, and performance in science courses. Many students enter STEM feeling anxious, underprepared, or doubtful of their ability to “do science”. This guide offers practical, evidence based strategies to strengthen self-efficacy in your course.

Immersion Settings

Normalize Challenge and Create Psychological Safety

Students build confidence when mistakes are treated as a part of learning.

• Frame difficulty as expected, not as a sign of inability
• Highlight that expert scientists struggle, revise, and iterate

Use Structured, Achievable Successes

Early wins help students believe they can succeed

• Begin with low-stakes practice before high-stakes assessments
• Break complex tasks into manageable steps
• Use think-pair-share to let students rehearse ideas before speaking publicly

Give Feedback That Emphasizes Growth

Self-efficacy grows when students understand how to improve.

• Use CLEAR or similar feedback models
  • C - Cite the Evidence (Describe observable behaviors)
  • L - Link to Rubric/Skill (Connect evidence to a relevant indicator)
  • E - Explain the Impact (How does this affect their learning/understanding?)
  • A - Add a Strategy (Offer a concrete suggestion for improvement)
  • R - Reinforce Strengths (Affirm what they did well)
• Be sure to highlight progress

Model Scientific Thinking Out Loud

Seeing your process reduces intimidation.

• Verbalize your reasoning, uncertainties, and decision-making
• Share brief anecdotes about times you revised or struggled academically
• Emphasize that process matters more than perfection

Online and Hybrid Settings

Provide Clear Structure and Navigation

Confidence grows when students know what is expected of them.

• Use a consistent weekly module layout
• Include checklists to show progress
• Offer welcome videos that preview the structure and tone of the course. Reach out to VisLab for media support!

Use Low-Stakes, Immediate Feedback Opportunities

Quick wins build momentum for students.

• Consider self-check quizzes in Canvas, auto-graded practice problems, or including sample solutions to classwork.

Make Learning Strategies Explicit

Many students struggle not because of ability, but because they lack effective study strategies.

• Include “How to Study for This Course” guides
• Share discipline-specific tips
• Encourage metacognitive reflection

Model Scientific Thinking Out Loud

Seeing your process reduces intimidation.

• Verbalize your reasoning, uncertainties, and decision-making
• Share brief anecdotes about times you revised or struggled academically
• Emphasize that process matters more than perfection

Addiontal Resources

• Kennesaw State University: Self-Efficacy in Education (PDF)
• Oakland University: Self-efficacy in STEM (PDF)
• Harvard University: Modeling Thought Processes and Sharing Personal Experience | Instructional Moves