The Lucky Seven
Self-esteem as defined by Wikipedia refers to a person’s overall evaluation or appraisal of his or her own worth. This exactly encompasses beliefs whether one is competent or incompetent, and emotions which denote success over failure or between pride and shame.
Definitely, self-esteem helps shape academic accomplishment of a learner in the classroom. Thus, a depleted self-esteem diminishes learner’s enthusiasm to study and the aptitude to direct his attention to his responsibilities. Furthermore, a learner with subtle self-esteem may feel unworthy of his presence or may be shy, afraid to associate himself to his classmates or teachers. True to actual observations, a learner passes up from class discussions and activities because he thinks he doesn’t have the resources and courage to come out from his own shell.
I have faith on teachers’ role to improve their students’ self-esteem through their daily encounter and interactions in the classroom. Below are 7 tips to help build students’ self-esteem according to Elsie T. Torreno, a BSE and MA in Child Study degrees from the Philippine Normal University.
1. Sincerely praise and appreciate good work. Individually commend students for their good work. Tell them exactly what you like about their work and immediately give incentives. Praise their positive behaviors i.e., active participation in class. If students lag behind or are progressing slowly in academics or in assigned tasks, praise their perseverance. Affirm them in the presence of their classmates. Or write a note in their notebooks or diaries.
2. Showcase achievements. Find ways to bring students’ achievements to the attention of the class. Display chosen artworks on a bulletin board and prominently write compliments on them for everybody to see. Place a big star on top of their works to show how important their accomplishments are. If students have special talents like dancing or singing, ask them to perform during class programs. If they excel in using a particular software program in computer class, ask them to show their skill in class. They can also help classmates with projects or homework using their skills. Students good in math may be asked to demonstrate how to solve a challenging math problem.
3. Make students feel significant in class. Assign shy students to be responsible for certain classroom tasks such as checking the attendance, collecting the homework of their classmates, leading the prayer before class, or delivering a note to the principal. Assure them that you believe in their capacity to finish their assigned tasks.
4. Encourage a sense of belonging. Find activities in which shy students can successfully interact with other students. Involve them in group activities where they can contribute their talents, be accepted by their peers, and be affirmed for completing their tasks. Ask the more introverted students to approach their shy classmates and spend time with them during recess, playtime, or lunch.
5. Update them on their progress. Focus on how students are progressing on certain tasks over time. Compare their past and present achievements such as quiz scores or periodical exams. Let them listen to a recording of how they have greatly improved their diction in oral reading exercises in the speech lab. Make them aware of how they have achieved a sense of proficiency in solving certain math problems which they found to be difficult in the first quarter of the year which they now find easy to solve. Prepare “success cards” where you can record their high scores and accomplishments in all subjects.
6. Talk about their interests. Ask parents about your students’ favorite subjects, games, or hobbies so you can engage your shy students in conversations. Listen to what they have to share so as to encourage a trusting relationship between you and them.
7. Share evidence of success. Call or send a note to parents toinform them of their children’s achievements in school. Suggest that they can help their shy children improve their self confidence by praising them in front of friends and relatives. Tell them to treasure their children’s work by saving samples from the previous year. (For comments, leave them in my website at www.lesiomhar.page.tl or in my cp # at 09185452554).
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