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Impact of Self-Efficacy on Interest and Self Esteem in Agricultural Science Among Senior Secondary Students in Kogi State, Nigeria

I. O. Haruna PhD, Prof. A. I. Ojelade, and Elizabeth Sandra, Onewo

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of self-efficacy on interest and self-esteem in Agricultural Science among senior secondary school students in Kogi State, Nigeria. Six objectives, six research questions, and six null hypotheses guided the study. The study was anchored on Albert Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory, and Sheldon Stryker’s Identity Theory of Self-Esteem. The study adopted a correlational survey research design. The population of the study comprised 8,569 senior secondary school students offering Agricultural Science in public secondary schools in Okene Educational Zone of the state, while a sample size of 235 students was selected for the study. Three standardized instruments - General Self-Efficacy Scale , Interest Scale, and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale - were adapted and used for data collection. The instruments were validated by experts in science education, while reliability coefficients of 0.833, 0.799, and 0.797 were obtained respectively using Cronbach Alpha. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, Analysis of Variance , and Pearson Product Moment Correlation . The findings revealed that there was no significant gender difference in students’ self-efficacy, interest, and self-esteem in Agricultural Science. The study further revealed that students with high self-efficacy demonstrated significantly higher levels of interest and self-esteem than students with moderate and low self-efficacy. In addition, a strong positive and statistically significant relationship was found among self-efficacy, interest, and self- esteem in Agricultural Science. The study concluded that self-efficacy plays a significant role in shaping students’ interest and self-esteem in Agricultural Science. It was therefore recommended among others that Agricultural Science teachers should adopt learner-centered and supportive teaching strategies capable of improving students’ confidence, interest, and positive self- perception toward Agricultural Science.

Keywords

Self-efficacyInterestSelf-esteemAgricultural Science.

References

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