Self‐efficacy of College Intermediate French Students: Relation to Achievement and Motivation

Abstract

The objective of this investigation was to examine the influence of self‐efficacy and other motivational self‐beliefs on the achievement of college intermediate French students (N= 303). Self‐efficacy for self‐regulation was a stronger predictor of intermediate French language achievement than were self‐efficacy to obtain grades in French, French anxiety in reading and listening, and French learning self‐concept. Students who perceived themselves as capable of using effective metacognitive strategies to monitor their academic work time effectively were more apt to experience academic success in intermediate French. Female students reported greater self‐efficacy for self‐regulation, interest, value, and enjoyment in learning about both the French language and culture than did male students, despite the fact that men and women had similar achievement. Findings are interpreted from the perspective of Bandura's (1986) social cognitive theory as it related to foreign language motivation and learning.