The importance of Self-Efficacy in Education

According to Wikipedia, self-efficacy is a personal judgment of "how well one can execute courses of action required to deal with prospective situations." In education, we use this term to describe a high or low interest shown by students towards education. I have sometimes asked myself why there so many students in many cases, Hispanics showing low interest in education. Education, in my opinion, is the most valuable asset that we as parents can leave to our children. It is no wonder why I find myself telling my children that education is the one resource that NO one can take away from us. How can we help children understand that school opens doors and helps us reach goals in our lives? How can we encourage students to continue school beyond secondary school? As an immigrant, I can share that it is not easy to continue school to obtain a bachelor's or master's degree in a US university, but I can also tell you that it is possible. With perseverance, we can manage to graduate and obtain a professional career.

I have often asked myself what motivated me to continue school until I obtained a master's degree. Then I recall how I felt the need to learn English as a second language when I arrived in the US at the age of 12 because I could not communicate with students and teachers in school. I can assure you that it was not easy to learn English and assist various universities. I am grateful for my parents, who encouraged me to continue learning and taught me the importance of not giving up in education. At home, I was told that education was my only option. It was m the only option until I reached my final goal. It is perhaps why today, after more than ten years, I have decided to go back to school to get a doctorate, bone to continue studying. It is also perhaps the reason why I have a lot of passion focus on teaching my children how important education is. It is necessary to remember that children learn what they see daily in their homes. There are several ways to show our children how important it is to spend time with school.

Talk to your kids

Speaking may sound very simple as a tool, but communication is one of the best weapons we have to achieve short- and long-term goals. Talk to your child about the benefits of education. Use your own experience as an example to help you understand him because it's important to study. Maybe when you study, you won't have to work long hours, or you'll get a better payout. Ask how you did at school every day and ask for details about what you learned new each day. When discussing the details of the day, your child will show you that you are interested in what you are learning and the importance of paying attention every day.

Offer a vision

They say dreaming costs nothing. That's why it's good to teach to dream and imagine yourself being doctors, teachers, technicians, pilots, or television reporters. No matter what your child's interest is, talk about the possibilities and encourage the idea of becoming what interests you most in the profession. When they go to the doctor or school, ask him or her to imagine himself being a doctor, nurse, or teacher who attends to him so that his child begins to get excited about becoming a professional.

Participate in school events

When children see that parents are interested in participating in their school events, they record themselves in their mind that school is very important, and they are encouraged to do well. Most schools offer learning or fun events where kids have a lot of fun. If you have Facebook or Twitter accounts, you can follow your child's school page to stay on top of school events.

Create routines

Not having routines that have to do with your child's education can affect your child's education. Many houses don't allow kids to watch TV during the week. When you get home, your child should have a place to do chores and read daily. Routines encourage children to give their best and provide self-confidence. School routines also create accountability. Some students get used to homework, make it difficult to get to school without homework because after they get used to being responsible, they don't like to feel irresponsible.

Go Back to School

Going back to shool is not only beneficial for children but adults as well. As we study, we open doors that offer us better jobs, independence, and better payments. If you don't know English, it's never too late to learn again. When children see us as parents return to school, they will perceive your action as an example of perseverance and improvement. Research technical courses you can do if you already know English. No matter what you do, the most important thing is to know that when you educate yourself will come improvement for you and your family.

These actions and conversations send our kids messages that gradually show the importance of education — encouraging your child to dream and set goals that relate to education. Self-efficacy is a frame of mind related to a child's confidence in his or her ability to achieve an educational goal. It contributes to a child's interest in school and the goals he or she wants to achieve. It is of paramount importance to show children that learning is a day-to-day activity that brings long-term benefits to our lives.