Students’ Self-Efficacy Beliefs and TOEIC Achievements in the Vietnamese Context

This paper draws on self-efficacy questionnaire data collected at the beginning and end of the TOEIC course, TOEIC scores and focus group discussions data from participating students at a technical university in Vietnam. While the quantitative data reveal positive effects in terms of TOEIC self-efficacy, the qualitative data show how changes in self-efficacy were moderated by the way students cognitively processed self-efficacy information. Results indicate there was a positive change in students' self-efficacy after joining the course. Self-efficacy was an important variable of students' TOEIC achievements and affected their achievement positively. Mastery experiences appeared to be the most influential source of TOEIC self-efficacy. Results are discussed as they relate to previous research and recommendations are made to include the development of selfefficacy in TOEIC instruction. The paper highlights that by targeting sources of self-efficacy, teachers can empower students with control over their own TOEIC ability development. Generally, TOEIC courses should promote learning environments that foster important sources of self-efficacy. Besides, course material and feedback should be delivered in a way that levels of self-efficacy are increased.