Self-esteem

Definition

This term refers to the value that each of us places on our own characteristics, abilities, and behaviors.

How it develops

As a child grows, his or her self-concept moves from the strictly concrete to the more abstract, and from merely physical to include psychological traits, too. Thus, a 3-year-old might say, “I’m a girl with a pony tail,” but a 10-year-old might add information like, “I’m a good swimmer, and sometimes I get upset when I have to do homework.”

As the self-concept becomes more complex, it is likely to include both nonacademic and academic components, e.g.:

Nonacademic Academic

Physical abilities General school ability

Physical appearance Reading

Peer relationships Math

Parent relationships Sciences

Activity

List 2 or 3 adjectives to describe yourself in regard to each of the components listed above. Use + or minus signs to indicate whether your self-concept in each area is primarily positive or negative.

Has any part of your self-esteem changed since you were a teenager? In what ways? Why?

Gender differences

Self-esteem generally rises from 4^th grade on, although girls often experience a bit drop in self-esteem during adolescence. Even girls who are very confident about themselves and their abilities at ages 8-10 may have much less confidence as teenagers. What factors do you think might account for this?

For an interesting and very informative look at this issue, see a book called Reviving Ophelia by Mary Pipher.

Self-esteem in gifted children

Several studies have shown that gifted children who move from heterogeneous classrooms to magnet classrooms filled only with gifted students experience at least a temporary drop in self-esteem. It is difficult for them to go from a situation where they have always been the top student in a class to a situation where the other students are also very bright.

Activity

Think about a time when something that happened in school was damaging to your self-esteem. Do the same for an event that contributed to higher self-esteem for you. How have these experiences influenced your thinking as you prepare to become a teacher yourself?

Why is so much emphasis placed on self-esteem in the classroom?

Studies show that these things seem to go together, though we’re not sure that one causes the other:

• High self-esteem
• Favorable attitudes toward school
• Positive behavior in the classroom
• Popularity with other students

Is it possible to “give” some one high self-esteem?

There is little evidence that programs like “Student of the Month” have much impact. Self-esteem can’t be layered on from the outside; it arises from a genuine sense of self-worth.

To build self-esteem we must believe that our success is due to our actions, not to luck or special assistance. Some call this “earned” self-esteem.

Others have suggested that self-esteem comes from focusing on activities that help others – from reaching outward, rather than being focused excessively on self.

This is not to say, however, that teachers can have no influence on students’ self-esteem. Here are some ideas to consider.

Suggestions from encouraging self-esteem in students

1. Value and accept all students, for their attempts as well as their accomplishments.
2. Create a climate that is psychologically safe for all students. Do not condone name calling or any form of bullying.
3. Avoid destructive comparisons and competition; encourage students to compete with their own prior levels of achievement.
4. Become aware of your own personal biases and expectations.
5. Accapt a student even when you reject his or her behavior, and help them to understand this.
6. Encourage students to take responsibility for their reactions to events; show them that they have choices in how to respond.
7. Help students set clear goals and objectives, and help them think about resources they have for reaching these goals.

(adapted from Anita Woolfolk, Educational Psychology, Allyn and Bacon)

Also see 100 Ways to Enhance Self-concept in the Classroom: A Handbook for Teachers and Parents by Jack Canfield and H.C.Wells.