Correlation between Self-Efficacy and English Performance

Abstract

Self-efficacy may affect our behaviours, thoughts and emotions. The students with strong self-efficiency tend to have good autonomous learning ability. However, there is little report on the correlation between self-efficacy and English performance. To make up for the gap, this paper explores the influence of self-efficacy on English performance based on the theories on self-efficacy. Specifically, a questionnaire survey was carried out among male and female students in three grades, covering all aspects of English learning (e.g. listening, speaking, reading and writing). The collected data were analysed statistically on the SPSS. The results show that self-efficacy influences the selection of environment and behaviour; the students with strong self-efficacy can flexibly use various cognitive and learning methods, and achieve excellent self-management and regulation; the students with good English performance have high self-efficacy scores, revealing a positive correlation between self-efficacy and English performance. The research findings lay a theoretical basis for improving English performance based on self-efficacy.