THE IMPORTANCE OF SELF-EFFICACY AS A MEDIATING VARIABLE BETWEEN LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS AND ACHIEVEMENT

The purpose of this research was to investigate the extent to which se lf-efficacy acts as a mediating variable between the learning environm ent and achievement. Seven year 5 classes (N=179 students aged 9 to 10 years) were allocated randomly to cooperative, competitive or individ ualistic environments for twice-weekly social studies lessons, changin g environments after five weeks. Data collected on self-efficacy and a chievement in weeks 5 and 10 indicated that co-operative environments led to higher self-efficacy and achievement as well as more appropriat e behaviour. The performance of particular tasks under competition app ears to be enhanced when students have previously worked co-operativel y, but may be difficult to sustain as self-efficacy and behaviour stan dards decline.