Final answer:
Self-efficacy is an individual's belief in their capability to achieve goals, and it influences motivation, persistence, and approach to challenges, which are core to the learning perspective. Those with high self-efficacy tackle tasks proactively and recover from setbacks, whereas those with low self-efficacy may avoid challenges and fixate on negative outcomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Self-efficacy is the belief in one's own capability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish a task. This confidence enhances motivation and persistence in facing challenges and learning. Albert Bandura, who introduced the concept, emphasized that self-efficacy could influence how people think, behave, and feel. It plays a significant role in how goals are set, how tasks are approached, and how challenges are met.
From the learning perspective, self-efficacy is a critical cognitive factor influencing how we choose to emulate behaviors and our success in replicating them. Those with high self-efficacy are likely to attempt more challenging tasks, persevere in the face of setbacks, and have a more resilient mindset. In contrast, those with low self-efficacy may dwell on failures and avoid difficult tasks, which can hinder learning and personal growth.
Locus of control is related to self-efficacy but is distinct in that it focuses on individuals' beliefs about the control they have over their lives, which can also impact learning outcomes. Individuals with an internal locus of control typically attribute their successes or failures to their own actions, potentially fostering a higher sense of self-efficacy.