My self-efficacy and potential for academic success

Critical Thinking Self-Analysis

I always assumed that psychology was a bunch of mumbo jumbo related to Freud and sexuality. I always thought that I was a decent learner, prior to taking this course. I now see that I have the potential to be an excellent learner if I simply make the effort. Cognitively, I thought that this assignment and the article it is based on would be dull due to the length of both. Behaviorally, this fact made procrastinate a little bit. Affectively, I dreaded doing the work initially for the assignment. However, I now know that my own self-efficacy is greater than I anticipated.

Bandura's purpose in writing this article was largely to empower people. Reading the article certainly served as a means to empower me, since it taught me different mechanisms I have related to my own self-efficacy. I actually believe that this effect is the purpose for which this assignment was designed. Cognitively, I am now convinced I can graduate from college. Behaviorally, I have found a new zeal with which to pursue my coursework. Affectively, I feel much more equipped to carry out the task of graduating.

Step Four

The main problems that reading this assignment aids the reader in solving are those related to his or her own ability, organization, and discipline for completing collegiate level work and general goals in life. Cognitively and affectively, it may seem and feel (respectively) that attempting to go to school while working and providing for my children as a mother is a daunting task. Behaviorally, I now see that this problem is simply a matter of behavior and that with the right preparation and organization I can suitably overcome it.

Step Five

From a cognitive perspective, my point-of-view regarding this assignment is that it is extremely beneficial to have this assignment early on in my coursework so that I gather the necessary self-esteem to complete both it and college. Affectively, this assignment helps me to contextualize the inherent challenges (not difficulties associated with college), and makes me feel that I am competent for completing these challenges. Behaviorally, it this assignment has provided me the necessary "motivation" (Banderas, 1994, p. 5) to aggressively pursue the completion of this assignment and any others like it.

Step Six

The data that supports my belief in achieving my goals, to successfully graduate college despite my status as a mother and my employment endeavors is that I have accomplished the first step in this process, both successfully enrolling and completing my coursework for my program thus far. Moreover, I have created a specific course analysis that will assist me to finish this course but also the others that I plan to take. Thus, I am able to encounter obstacles in the form of challenges as opposed to opportunities for them to assert their dominance over me, which is a paraphrase of some of Banderas' key concepts.

Step Eight

The most eminent inference I can make about the five reoccurring concepts alluded to in Step seven is that they are paramount importance to successfully completing college. Moreover, an individual who is motivated and efficacious will tend to view these concepts as resources which can assist them in their educational pursuits -- some even so didactically. In fact, one can even view these factors as step-by-step instructions for successfully completing school, in the subsequent order: c, d, e, a, b.

Step Nine

From an affective perspective, the inferences I can make about my own success based on Bandura's article and the preceding steps is that by merely adjusting my attitude and adopting a positive outlook I can significantly increase the likelihood of completing my goals. Cognitively, then, I must analyze and implement the requisite steps necessary to view my surroundings and circumstances as resources which I can exploit to my advantage. Behaviorally, there are many life experiences which I have encountered which support this viewpoint -- particularly starting a family and working so that I can support it.

Step Ten

My recommendations to future HFCC students is that their attitudes and perspectives about their personal situations and surroundings can play an extremely valuable role in their success or dearth of it in college -- so it is best to choose the former. Personally I have learned that I can do anything that I set my mind to so long as I diligently prepare for it and persevere. I'll attempt to improve my prowess in the area of psychology. My own personal definition of critical thinking is simply the ability to think and discern for one's own self, and to assess and factor in all of the relevant information to thinking about a given topic.