Students achieve full potential through self-belief, according to new book

THE theory of how students can achieve their potential through self-belief is the focus of the new book by an academic from the University of Chichester.

Fostering self-efficacy in higher education students has been written by National Teaching Fellow in Music Dr Laura Ritchie, who works in the Music department at the institution.

The text, published by Palgrave Macmillan, demonstrates how staff in higher education can develop their teaching to encourage students to believe in their capabilities and achieve more.

Drawing on a variety of case studies from her research, Dr Ritchie (below) described the processes through which students can achieve autonomy and develop the skills needed to succeed at university and beyond.

She said: “Self-efficacy is a belief about one’s own capability and is linked to situations.

“I combine theory with tangible methods for everyday use, to give educators a fresh perspective on how these beliefs can positively impact learning and teaching.”

The text suggests practical techniques and strategies for fostering self-efficacy, including how to make better use of classroom time and space, communicate more effectively with students, and think creatively about assessment.

Ideas and methods are also presented for enhancing and reorienting teaching to improve learning and to become aware of the students’ own perceptions.

Dr Fabio R Arico is a Senior Lecturer in Macroeconomics from the School of Economics at the University of East Anglia.

He said: “In a period of rapid change and uncertainty in higher education policy and practice, Laura Ritchie reminds us that helping our students to build confidence in their own abilities is the key for effective learning, resilience, and success.”

The book, which is out now, can be purchased directly from Palgrave and can be found on Amazon at www.amazon.com.

To find out more about Fostering Self-Efficacy in Higher Education Students visit www.palgrave.com.

For more about Dr Ritchie and her research go to www.lauraritchie.com.

Photo credit: Jonathan Worth CC-BY-SA