Considering Self-Efficacy

I think I have some of my ideas about self-efficacy and self-confidence or self-esteem all mixed up.  It’s difficult for me to separate my beliefs about my own self-efficacy from my self-confidence about who I am and what I can and cannot do well.  But if I try to concentrate on those things that I feel I have the ability or capability to do well because of an acquired skill set or because I’ve received positive feedback in my life, I could make a list of a few things that I feel I have a high degree of self-efficacy. 

I think I have a high degree of self-efficacy for creative thought.  I don’t have a lot of self-confidence about always expressing my creativity to others, but internally I feel very confident (have self-efficacy) in my ability to see things from unusual perspectives, make new connections and be open to new and untried ideas, i.e. creativity.    When I grew up, in my elementary school, as students we weren’t as concerned about getting a 100% on our papers as a “creative” written in red ink.  When a teacher wrote “creative” on your paper we busted our buttons with pride.  There was no more covetous award then receiving a “creative” on your paper.  I’m not sure if this is a successful teaching strategy, but to this day I don’t pay as much attention to getting an “A”, or any grade for that matter, as a note from a teacher that says, “Wonderful ideas”, “I had never thought of this topic in this way”, “creative project”, “great illustration” or “original thought is shown”, and “you have such a great imagination!””, etc.  This way of thinking (although part of the critical thinking process) has gotten me into lots of trouble.  Most teachers in the end care very little about original thought, they just want to make sure that what they taught you, you can show that you’ve learned right back.  It’s gotten me into trouble with my writing, as I always concentrate on the ideas and not much on the mechanics; it’s probably also why I’m a terrific “creative speller”.  But all the emphasis on doing things a “right way” has not kept me from thinking creatively.  I’ve had some teachers who have encouraged my creative thinking and have appreciated, although not always understood, my different point of view.  Also, having friends, family and teachers that have exposed me to original ideas, art, music, writings and original thinkers and artists has fed my own self-efficacy for creative thought.  I think having a family that allowed me to be an independent thinker has also helped grow my creativity.  Being able to think creatively although not always appreciated, is a gift that makes the world so much richer, deeper and always full of possibilities.  I am thankful that I have a high degree of self-efficacy in thinking creatively.

The second area I will mention that I feel I have a high degree of self-efficacy is my ability to speak in front of a group of people.  Considering that I am a shy and private person, talking in front of a group of people (of any age), actually comes naturally for me.  I am especially adept at speaking in front of a group when I know my subject matter and my audience well! I suppose my parents, who both enjoyed opportunities to speak or read in front of a group (such as in church) contributed to my affinity for public speaking.  Although I wasn’t officially recognized for this skill until I was in college, I think I always felt a sense of confidence or self-efficacy in this ability.  I don’t have the best voice and I often get tongue-tied, but I think my ability to think on my feet and feel empathy with those in the audience, plus a positive, enthusiastic manner contributes to me being successful at speaking in front of a group of people.  I think I also really enjoy the puzzle of how to best convey information to other people, or how to make people laugh or smile.  I’ve really enjoyed working with my classmates in the M.A.T. graduate program, many of which show a high degree of self-efficacy for speaking in front of a group of people.  A skill, I think, will serve us well as teachers!