SELF-EFFICIENCY OF STUDENTS. TUTORIAL ACTION

The main objective of this project is to channel the work habits of students in order to obtain the best possible results in the study of subjects which shape the degree curriculum, thus helping to improve the performance in the study.

Based on socio-cognitive theory of self-efficiency for learning we have developed and have validated a self-efficiency inventory for the study. With that goal in mind we have developed a battery of questions that are a test query about student’s self-efficacy in learning. The response format and processing of information is via Internet, thus facilitating the participation of students in those experiences with the subsequent analysis of information and specific advice for each student.

With the new scenario provided for teachers and students regarding the promotion and development of skills and ways to evaluate them, it becomes apparent a change in the philosophy of action on the attitudes towards the study. Work planning will have a greater role for the students and will require them greater responsibility in the learning process. This change in methodology will require a special assistance, and a more individualized tutoring. The effectiveness in the study will be a target, and in this sense, it is necessary to supply data on the self-efficacy in the study.

There are several scales to assess self-efficiency, with good psychometric properties which are widely recognized, such as LASSI, MSQL and SELF. However, construction work and/or adaptation of these measures are not well developed in the field of education. In this paper, we have written 65 items related to self-regulation strategies for learning, which were subsequently evaluated in relation to their quality. The inventory is used as a basis for analysis, evaluating the contribution of self-efficiency in the learning process and explaining the academic performance of our students in Thermal Engineering.

These issues have been addressed jointly via inter- faculties, for sharing insights and in order to enhance contact between those who will guide the students learning strategies and will address shared action guidelines.