OVERCOMING OBSTACLES: EXAMINING THE EFFECTS OF LOW SELF-CONFIDENCE ON STUDENT LEARNING
Abstract
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Abstract
Competence, knowledge, and performance are interconnected concepts that play a pivotal role in an individual's career success. Students who lack these attributes may encounter numerous challenges in achieving their academic goals and intended outcomes. Among these, self-confidence is a critical factor influencing students' participation and progress in the learning process. The current educational system is grappling with a crisis caused by low self-confidence, resulting in decreased engagement and unsatisfactory academic performance.
This research aims to explore the impact of self-confidence on students' learning experiences. The study delves into how students' learning is influenced by their level of self-confidence, distinguishing between those with high self-confidence and those with low self-confidence. Learning is defined as a permanent change in an individual's behavior resulting from experiences and knowledge acquired through shared experiences or teacher-led instruction. Self-confidence is characterized by a student's belief in their ability to perform successfully in various activities. It is closely related to a student's motivation, educational achievements, well-being, and adaptability to challenges. Self-efficacy, self-esteem, and self-compassion are identified as factors that can influence an individual's level of self-confidence. The research identifies low self-confidence as a major challenge for students, adversely affecting their vulnerability in the learning process. Students with low self-confidence may experience psychological barriers such as insecurity, fearfulness, anxiety, and a sense of detachment from society, leading to reduced participation and distracted learning. The researchers have observed poor class participation among students at Kandahar University, which they attribute to the lack of self-confidence impacting their academic performance. The study also highlights the link between self-confidence and motivation, emphasizing that students' low self-confidence can lead to a lack of motivation and a negative attitude toward learning. Consequently, the achievement of desired educational outcomes and effective curriculum implementation become challenging. To address these issues, language teachers are encouraged to cultivate students' self-confidence by avoiding behaviors that may diminish it. In conclusion, self-confidence is a vital element in students' academic journey, impacting their motivation, participation, and overall learning experience. By understanding its significance, educators and institutions can adopt strategies to foster self-confidence among students, enabling them to overcome challenges and achieve their academic goals effectively.
