The Role that Self Efficacy and Self Beliefs Play In the African American Male Achievement Gap

Abstract

Research has shown a disparity in educational achievement of African American males relative to their white counterparts. Many theories attempt to explain why African American males continue to lag behind in the classroom, and some have offered some solutions to this problem. Researchers believe that African American males are seen as disengaged in school and as a result, they lack confidence, self-esteem, and self efficacy. These barriers derive from not having sense of belonging and connection to school and their community. This paper will take a more in depth look at why African American males underachieve in schools and the role that self-efficacy plays in this. This paper will discuss the learner and learning, the environment, the curriculum, and instructional strategies and assessment and how they play an imperative role in African American males being successful in school. Following these categories will be a brief summary of how I will implement this research and these practices in my work.