Efficacy

Efficacy is a very large part of any job and truthfully, any part of life. The ability to bring about a certain effect is not one easily mastered or acquired. It is, however, entirely possible. The best way to increase efficacy, in my opinion, is knowing yourself and how you function alone and with others. It is important to know your limits, but to also strive to increase your ability to bring about positive effects in the classroom. Efficacy relies heavily on a person's will to "make it happen." I had many experiences in high school where it looked as though something was not going to get done. One example in particular (almost every year): the fall musical. We often struggled in getting ourselves together enough to be ready for opening night, but every year it happened. How? Generally, it was once again, thanks to Mr. J. He was often the factor that got the rest of us to push towards success. He made us realize that we had put in weeks of work and that it would be a shame to waste it because we weren't willing to push through the toughness of putting it all together. He led by his example of a strong work ethic, persistence and confidence which therefore made us confident; he had achieved efficacy. I think the best way to build efficacy is through collaboration with others and reflection of yourself. Ask yourself and others, what did I do wrong and how could I do it better next time? Efficacy is very much a "trial and error" disposition, but with enough practice it can become a natural attribute.