Educators often focus on improving students’ academic habits by encouraging them to do to things such as come to class prepared, manage their time, and take on challenges. Yet the critical factor underlying all these behaviors—self-efficacy—is often misunderstood or overlooked. This guide changes that by offering educators practical, research-based steps for leveraging the benefits of self-efficacy in their classrooms in every lesson.

This book presents decades of research in accessible terms, guiding teachers to connect theory to practice across diverse grade levels and subjects. Operationalizing Albert Bandura’s (1977) four factors of self-efficacy development, this book explains how to employ self-efficacy to drive effort, persistence, risk-taking, agency, and goal-setting in the classroom. It includes relatable vignettes, reflection questions, and insights into supporting self-efficacy in both face-to-face and digital learners. Teachers are also supported in building their self-efficacy in today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape.

Whether you’re a seasoned educator or just starting your teaching journey, Building Students’ Self-Efficacy provides a roadmap for creating classrooms where students believe in their ability to succeed and where that belief translates into meaningful, lasting academic growth.

Matthew Strader, Ed.D., is Senior Director of Academic Design at McGraw-Hill. He has served as a teacher, building administrator, and district leader for schools in Kansas City and New York City. In addition to his extensive work in academics and curriculum, he has coached teachers in both the United States and China, including serving as faculty for preservice teachers in their preparation programs. He is a thought leader at the intersection of effective digital instruction and motivational processes that support student achievement. He holds a Doctor of Education in curriculum and instruction from Texas A&M University, and his research interests center on self-efficacy in digital learning.