Sixth-graders learning disabled in mathematics (N=30) received subtraction training that included instruction and practice opportunities. Some children set proximal performance goals, others had comparable proximal goals assigned, and some received training without goals. Participation in goal setting led to the highest self-efficacy and…

Social comparative information and proximal goals' influence on skillful performance and percepts of self-efficacy were examined in low-achieving children in arithmetic. A significant main effect on perceived efficacy due to proximal goals was found. Problem-solving goals and comparative information treatments together resulted in the highest…

This study explored how social comparative information and specific, proximal goals influence children's skillful performance and percepts of self-efficacy in the context of arithmetic competency development. A total of 40 fourth and fifth graders, identified as low-achieving in arithmetic, received instruction in division along with practice…

This study investigated how task strategies and attributions for success during mathematics learning influenced children's self-efficacy and skills. Attribution of success to high ability exerted the strongest influence on increases in self-efficacy. Implications for teaching are discussed. (Author/MT)

Two experiments investigated the effects of sources of strategy information on children's acquisition and transfer of reading outcomes and strategy use. Children with reading skill deficiencies received comprehension instruction on main ideas. In the first experiment, the final sample comprised 33 students (21 fourth graders, 12 fifth gaders)…

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of two contextual influences (performance-contingent rewards and proximal goals) on children's task motivation, self-efficacy, and skillful performance after division skill-development training. The sample included 44 children, ranging in age from approximately 9 to 11 years, who were identified…

Hypotheses from self-efficacy theory in the area of children's arithmetic achievement were tested. It was hypothesized that compared with didactic instruction, cognitive modeling would result in higher arithmetic achievement, self-efficacy, and accuracy of self-appraisal. (Author/GK)

In the social learning perspective the anticipation of rewarding consequences serves as one source of motivation. A second results from the perception of a negative discrepancy between present capabilities and desired performance. To foster motlvation it is necessary that persons accurately appraise their capabilities. Techniques for fostering…

The purpose of this study was to test several hypotheses from self-efficacy theory in the area of children's arithmetic achievement. Fifty-six elementary school children showing low arithmetic achievement were assigned to one of four treatment groups of 12 subjects each (modeling-attribution, modeling-no attribution, didactic-attribution,…

This study examined the effects of goals--such as denoting learning and performance outcomes--and self-evaluation on the acquisition of computer skills, efficacy in performing computer tasks, perception of competence for the use of self-regulatory strategies, and frequency of strategy use while learning computer skills. Subjects were 44 college…

This experiment explored how incorporating the importance of task strategy use and positive achievement beliefs into cognitive modeling affected self-efficacy and skill acquisition. Students deficient in division skills received cognitive modeling of division solution strategies and practice opportunities. For one group of students the cognitive…

In the context of school learning, students form perceptions of their capabilities. Future task engagement and skill development opportunities are influenced by the ability to match perceptions to actual skill levels. Accurate self appraisals can evolve from methods that involve: 1) goal setting, 2) subtasks, 3) corrective modeling, 4) achievement…

Psychological procedures change behavior in part by creating and strengthening perceived self-efficacy, which refers to personal judgments of performance capabilities in a given activity. In addition, it has been hypothesized that attributions, or perceived causes of outcomes, exert important effects on self-efficacy. A study investigated how the…

This study assessed how goal setting and progress feedback affect self-efficacy and writing achievement for 20 male and 20 female fourth graders. Children received writing strategy instruction and were given a process goal of learning the strategy, a product goal of writing paragraphs, or a general goal of working productively (control condition).…

Using a common methodology, two experiments examined the effects of learning and performance goals in conjunction with self-evaluation as fourth-graders acquired mathematical fraction skills. After a pretest on fractions, self-efficacy, skill persistence, and goal orientation, children in the first study--who were average achievers in…