Résumé
Background and Purpose: Research on educational outcomes such as school enrollment and learning achievements among youth have been a major focus in sub-Saharan Africa, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals aimed at reduced inequalities and promoting quality education. Zambia, with 53.4% of its population under the age of 18 and a median age of 16.7 years, ranks as the 8th youngest nation globally. Consequently, the country's economic growth will be largely shaped by the educational and socio-emotional development of its children. However, few studies explore factors that influence children's confidence in their ability to meet academic tasks and goals. This study addresses this gap by investigating factors associated with academic self-efficacy among low-income children in Zambia, with particular attention to the role of family.\ Methods: Cross-sectional data was collected in 2020, post Covid-19 school closures, among 5-7th graders from low-income neighborhoods in Lusaka, Zambia (N = 274). The dependent variables were continuous measures of academic self-efficacy (α= .72) and social self-efficacy towards teachers (α= .71). Predictor variables included family involvement in child’s education, academic performance, English proficiency, age, gender, and primary caregiver’s education level. Analyses were conducted using structural equation modeling (SEM).\ Results: The sample consisted of 56% females, and 46% males, with an average age of 13 years (SD=2.73). Results revealed significant positive effects of family involvement on child academic self-efficacy (β = 0.25, p\<0.05) and social self- efficacy with teachers (β = 0.25, p\<0.01). The child’s academic performance, ability to understand English and caregiver’s education level were also significant determinants of self-efficacy.\ \ Conclusions/Implications: Findings confirm the importance of family involvement towards enhancing children's self-efficacy. Implications for research and practice include efforts to facilitate and promote family involvement in children’s education, as well as needs assessment and supports to promote the development of self-efficacy among children.
Mots clés (séparés par des virgules)
Self-efficacy, Academic, Family involvement, \ Children, sub-Saharan Africa, Zambia