Abstract

Self-efficacy beliefs determine how people feel, think, motivate themselves and behave. A strong sense of efficacy enhances human accomplishment and personal well being in many ways.Self-efficacy is defined as people’s beliefs about their capabilities to produce designated levels of performance which have influence over events that affect their lives (Bandura, 1994). A study was conducted on 688 Form Four students from 25 at risk schools located in 5 zones in Malaysia, to examine their self-efficacy beliefs in learning mathematics and English Language. Findings showed that the at risk students have low self-efficacy in Mathematics and English Language. Positive and significant correlations were found between self-efficacy in mathematics and English with achievemnet in the Lower Secondary Examination. Female students were found to have higher self-efficacy beliefs in English Language and mathematics compared to males. The implications of the findings are discussed in terms of learning opportunities for at risk students.