Mexican english language learner´s self-efficacy profiles and their relationship with the four sources of self-efficacy.

Abstract

The definition of self-efficacy by students involved in learning as foreign language has been investigated lately. Several studies such as Bandura (1994), Chen (2007) and Tilfarlioğlu (2009) had investigated that the sense of self-efficacy has a great influence on the development of academic activities. Bandura (1997) states “people guide their lives by their beliefs of personal efficacy”. Students should have a high sense of efficacy beliefs on their academic skills so that they can accomplish their goals. While learning a second language, students should be aware of their ability of having success in this subject; they should recognize that they can learn a second language if they make a great effort. It is said that people could have a good effect in their behavior if they have in mind that they can achieve any goal but if they have uncertainties, they will not have this effect in their behavior. Bandura (1977) states that individuals can believe that a particular course of action will produce certain outcomes, but if they entertain serious doubts about whether they can perform the necessary activities such information does not influence their behavior.