ABSTRACT
Self-efficacy is a concept of Social Cognitive Theory that addresses one’s ability to organize and take action to achieve goals. The research developed in this study intended to ascertain the reasons for poor student performance in disciplines such as Calculus. One of the hypotheses investigated deals with an assessment on the influence of self - efficacy beliefs. Relying on the students of IFMG - Campus Bambuí as a field of study, the research was based on the application of two distinct descriptive and qualitative steps that took into account the beginning and end of the disciplines. The results pointed at the existence of self-efficacy beliefs in beginner students and also at the fact that these beliefs became stronger in students in the end of the course. Thus, we can highlight the importance of teachers in the development of self-efficacy in students while promoting the development of new methodologies and the relevance of pedagogical and psychological support.
Keywords:
Self-efficacy; academic performance; Social Cognitive Theory