Abstract:
A major goal of education is to equip children with the knowledge, skills and self-beliefs to be confident and informed citizens - citizens who continue to see themselves as learners beyond 'graduation'. This presentation will look at the key role of nurturing efficacy beliefs to learn and participate in school and society. Research findings conducted within a social studies context are presented showing how strategy instruction can enhance self-efficacy for learning. As part of this research, Creative Problem Solving (CPS) was taught to children as a means to motivate and support learning. It will be shown that the use of CPS can have positive effects on self-efficacy for learning, and that it can be a valuable framework to involve children in social decision making leading to social action. Implications for enhancing self-efficacy and motivation to learn in the classroom are discussed.