This study examined the self-efficacy levels of chemistry students and their impact on academic performance. A quantitative survey was conducted among 168 secondary school students in Johor Bahru and Kulai, using a structured questionnaire with 16 items. The results indicated that most students demonstrated high self-efficacy in performing laboratory experiments and understanding fundamental chemical concepts. However, lower confidence was observed in interpreting chemical equations and linking macroscopic, microscopic, and symbolic representations. The findings suggested that students with higher self-efficacy were more engaged and performed better academically. The study highlighted the importance of effective teaching strategies, hands-on learning, and teacher support in strengthening students’ confidence in chemistry. Enhancing self-efficacy could lead to improved motivation and learning outcomes, contributing to a more effective chemistry education framework.
Zaluddin et al. (Wed,) studied this question.