First, and most powerful, mastery experiences (i.e. experience of successfully
performing the behaviour) give people confidence that they can tackle new tasks
because they know they have previously succeeded with similar challenges. This
recommends that teachers and trainers guide learners towards success by identifying
manageable tasks and only increasing difficulty as confidence and skill grow, that is
by use of graded tasks (see Figure 8.4). Moreover, helping someone practise a man -
ageable task and providing feedback can consolidate skills and enhance SE. Failure
undermines SE and focusing on past failure can be self-handicapping.
182 MOTIVATION AND BEHAVIOUR
FIGURE 8.4Direct experience of success enhances self-efficacy.
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