Saudi Students' Perceptions of Abilities and College Performance

• In Event: Theoretical and Methodological Potentialities

Abstract

With the increasing numbers of Saudi students marching into American colleges, their academic achievement and social integration is essential for the ultimate goal of matriculation with their intended college degrees. Building upon the self-efficacy theory (Bandura, 1986) as a construct of student academic achievement, this qualitative study examined the case of Saudi students at Riverside State University. After initial site observations and document reviews were conducted, primary data were collected from open ended interviews with students, administrators, and professors. Findings revealed that various aspects of self-efficacy are either agents or influences given the circumstances of the case. It offers recommendations showing how various aspect of the theory can be utilized to increase Saudi students’ self-efficacy and consequently their achievement level.

Authors

• Nasser Razek, The University of Akron

• Sandra Coyner