ERIC Number: EJ966129
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
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Perceptions of Self-Efficacy among STEM Students with Disabilities
Jenson, Ronda J.; Petri, Alexis N.; Day, Arden D.; Truman, Kevin Z.; Duffy, Kate
Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, v24 n4 p269-283 Win 2011
Numerous studies examine the relationship between self-efficacy and positive outcomes for postsecondary students. Collectively they echo that self-efficacy is an essential component to positive outcomes. Relatively few studies focused on students with disabilities majoring in STEM fields. Twenty postsecondary students with disabilities participated in focus groups organized around Bandura's key factors leading to self-efficacy: mastery experiences, vicarious experiences, social persuasion, and physiological reaction. By pairing participant-response devices, commonly known as "clickers," with traditional qualitative methods, students provided their individual perspectives as well as reacted to collective responses. Several cross-cutting themes emerged from the study. Instructors set the tone for learning and consequently highly influence confidence, motivation, anxiety and stress, and ultimately success. Applied learning is important, especially in team settings. A student's sense of self influences his or her perceptions of self-efficacy. The results offer insight into designing support services and measuring self-efficacy with this population. (Contains 1 table and 1 figure.)
Descriptors: Self Efficacy, Focus Groups, Disabilities, STEM Education, College Students, Student Experience, Social Influences, Physiology, Measurement Equipment, Student Attitudes, Stress Variables, Anxiety, Student Motivation, Mastery Learning
Association on Higher Education and Disability. 107 Commerce Center Drive Suite 204, Huntersville, NC 28078. Tel: 704-947-7779; Fax: 704-948-7779; e-mail: ahead@ahead.org; Web site: http://www.ahead.org/publications/jped
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
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Language: English
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