The Impact of Self-Perception on Vocational Learning

Self-perception is about how we see and value ourselves. It is also about how we see and value the people and events around us, and in turn, how we believe the outside world sees and values us. As a consequence, self-perception is a major determinant of our goals and ambitions, and our beliefs regarding our capacity to achieve them. This chapter considers the findings of three studies that consider the issues and concepts relating to self-perception that impact on vocational learning. The first study, by Misko, Beddie and Smith, provides evidence that, unless people perceive themselves to be competent learners, they generally will not seek to access formal vocational programmes. The second study, by Margaret Kling, reports on a series of exploratory discussions with seven adult learners, seeking their insights into the impact of self-perception on their learning processes and outcomes. Study three, by Smith and Clayton, highlights the potentially critical role that reflection may play in developing self-perception as a learner, and in turn, in improving learning performance.