Sources of College-Going Self-Efficacy Among Rural Appalachian Students

• In Event: 73.062 - Poster Session 17
  In Poster Session: 73.062-4 - Motivation in Education SIG Poster Session 1

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate what middle (n = 189) and high (n = 235) students in rural Appalachia report makes them feel more confident about going to college. A qualitative methodological approach was used to analyze experiences students described that made them feel more confident about attending college. Student responses were coded in terms of the four sources of self-efficacy hypothesized by Bandura (1997) and other emergent themes. Mastery experiences in school and exposure to vicarious models were most frequently cited sources of college-going self-efficacy. Middle school students cited different sources of college-going self-efficacy than did high school students. Gender differences also emerged. Implications for educators in rural settings are discussed.

Authors

• Trisha Anne Turner, University of Kentucky

• Chelsea G Adams, University of Kentucky

• Meriah A Rose, University of Kentucky

• Amanda R. Butz, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Ellen L. Usher, University of Kentucky