Source of Self-Efficacy for First-Year College Students Based on Gender and Prior Knowledge

Abstract

Self-efficacy has important role in determining the success and adjustment of first-year college students, including college students in study programs of mathematics education. The purpose of this study is to analyze the source of self-efficacy of first-year college students based on gender and prior knowledge. The research method used is descriptive. The study sample consisted of 68 students enrolled in calculus lectures and 58 students enrolled in algebra lectures. Other researchers have tested instrument of self-efficacy for there students. This study finds that a source of self-efficacy of first-year college students, namely vicarious experience and mastery experience affects more male and female students. Vicarious experience is the most dominant source of self-efficacy for each category of prior knowledge.