Encouraging Self-Efficacy

Abstract

Introduction:  From the beginning, it was evident that the fifth grade students at Valley Elementary School in Yucaipa, California, were enjoying their discussion of Harry Stottlemeier's Discovery.  In addition, students were obviously developing better habits and skills of critical thinking which influenced their academic studies throughout each day.  Teachers had expected students to enjoy and benefit from the Philosophy for Children materials.  However, teachers were surprised by the dramatic increases in students' feelings of self-efficacy.