Bandura’s Self-Efficacy Theory in Action
On sale
31st January 2025
Price: £12.5
Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy is one of the most important discoveries in modern psychology that has transformed how we understand human behaviour. Through years of research across different disciplines, we now know that our self-efficacy is a central concept in how we behave and is critical in determining the capacity that students have to shape their own lives. The belief that our behaviour can yield a positive result within a specific domain explains many experiences that teachers face in the classroom – why, in the face of good teaching, students still don’t attempt the work; why, in some lessons, students are seen to work harder than in others; why some students struggle to bounce back from failure and why student behaviour can still present a challenge.
Dr Neil Gilbride CPsychol guides the reader in how we can take action to raise student self-efficacy and, subsequently, the agency that students feel in taking control of their lives and studies. Specifically, the book will explore the application of self-efficacy to three key areas – how we design our instruction, how we design practice and how we influence the behaviour of our pupils within our settings. The book interweaves insights from research with how it might look in the classroom. Succinct summaries and case studies from a range of practitioners will enable all readers to raise the self-efficacy of their students in their own classrooms and beyond.
Dr Neil Gilbride CPsychol guides the reader in how we can take action to raise student self-efficacy and, subsequently, the agency that students feel in taking control of their lives and studies. Specifically, the book will explore the application of self-efficacy to three key areas – how we design our instruction, how we design practice and how we influence the behaviour of our pupils within our settings. The book interweaves insights from research with how it might look in the classroom. Succinct summaries and case studies from a range of practitioners will enable all readers to raise the self-efficacy of their students in their own classrooms and beyond.
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Reviews
Gilbride presents Bandura's self-efficacy theory in an accessible and clear way. Busy teachers will appreciate the relatable and practical examples and non-examples included throughout. The book balances theoretical rigour with practical application and will be of interest to any teacher or school leader wishing to enrich their practice.
I am more than happy to recommend this book to teachers and school leaders. Dr Gilbride has taken decades of Albert Bandura's work and contextualised it into a concise volume that gives actionable advice to teachers and school leaders on developing their practice and strategy using insights from self-efficacy. I found the book particularly useful in providing a workable synthesis of how teachers can leverage both relationships and subject knowledge to support students in school and in illuminating the differences between self-efficacy and confidence or self-esteem. Furthermore, the description of practical ways schools might leverage an understanding of self-efficacy - in instruction, practice, and behaviour, laid out in theory and explored in case studies - makes this a book that you can dip in and out of and will keep coming back to.
In this book, Dr Neil Gilbride offers a practical, research-based guide to understanding and cultivating self-efficacy within an educational context. Masterfully connecting theory to practical application, the book provides a clear explanation of Bandura's work, along with real-world case studies that demonstrate its relevance in everyday classroom settings. With accessible strategies and examples, this book empowers educators, leaders, and practitioners to unlock their potential, foster confidence, and harness the power of self-belief for success. A must-read for anyone seeking to apply the transformative power of self-efficacy in their work and lives.
It is a mystery why some psychological theories get more attention than others in education. For too long self-efficacy theory hasn't taken centre stage. Based on the work of one of the most influential psychologists, and written by one of the sharpest minds in education, this book is everything and more that I hoped it would be. Simply put, absolutely everyone working in a school is going to benefit from reading this.
My heart sings at the sight of a book that is allowing us to talk and think hard about theory and is doing this in a way that isn't about a vague, unintelligible theory/practice divide. The notion of good 'grand theory' throwing light on our lived experience is spot on, and this is exactly what this book sets out to do. To do this in a bitesize, digestible and enjoyable form means it is likely to achieve the gold standard outcome of impacting directly on practice.
Neil takes a concept I thought I understood and made me realise there is so much more to know! His expertise is evident, but what really makes this book brilliant is the way he explains complex ideas in a way we can all understand. This is a must-read for teachers, leaders and anyone interested in properly understanding self-efficacy!
This book is a vital resource for educators looking to connect research with the practicalities of the classroom. This book is an essential guide, bridging the gap between theory and real-world application, bringing Albert Bandura's influential work on self-efficacy to life. Through relatable case studies and clear explanations, Dr Gilbride translates complex psychological ideas into strategies that can be implemented to support students' resilience, motivation, and performance. Not only does this book capture Bandura's lasting legacy, but it also encourages educators to reflect deeply on their own practice, helping both teachers and students thrive.
As someone who co-founded The Edu-Book Club, with a focus on making professional development both accessible and practical, I highly recommend this book. It is sure to become an invaluable tool for educators aiming to make a real difference in their classrooms.