"Whether you think that you can or you can't, you're usually right."

Henry Ford is credited for this observation. I remember reading this article in the Wall Street Journal more than a year ago and was reminded of it when I ran a search for "self-efficacy." It seems most relevant at this time in the semester when obstacles seem to rise up and grow at tremendously rapid rates. Here's what the studies show. Students who believe they can achieve their goals are more likely to use the achievement strategies we have discussed all semester. That is, they recognize the link between good health and good grades and so they take better care of themselves. They recognize the importance of preparing for class and never missing a class. They worked in collaboration with others to complete homework assignments and projects and in preparing for exams. So, what was the cause of their success? Was it their belief in their own abilities or the study strategies they employed? You tell me.