How to Address Self-Esteem in the Classroom

Students with high self-esteem perform better in class.

Self-esteem affects a student's classroom performance. Students with low self-esteem may have reduced desire to learn, difficulty focusing and be less likely to take risks. One of the building blocks for success in the classroom, positive self-esteem helps students face the challenges of learning. Teachers can nurture their students' self-esteem in several ways.

Instructions

1. Tell the student specifically what you like about his performance, as he may dismiss general praise as insincere. Use concrete examples of progress, such as comparing an earlier paper with a later paper that shows improvement so the student can appreciate his growth.

2. Avoid comparing students or posting grades. Encourage students to evaluate their performance based on their own goals or past performance rather than comparing themselves to others.

3. Help the student who is having academic difficulties understand that failure is part of the learning process and a normal part of life. For example, you might share that Lincoln lost seven elections before he was elected president. Help the student develop strategies to succeed and express confidence that you believe she will be successful.

4. Talk to each student about his hobbies or interests. Suggest ways she can get more involved in activities she likes. Encourage the student's sense of belonging by getting him involved with group activities or pairing him for an assignment with another friendly, helpful student.

5. When addressing misbehavior, make clear that the behavior is unacceptable but that the student is valued and accepted. If possible, deal with discipline issues privately. Let all the students know they are entitled to their feelings but their behavior must take others into consideration.

6. Send a note home to a student's parents to praise something noteworthy he did and let him know you're doing it. This will make the student and parents both feel good and encourage good relations between them.

Tips & Warnings

• Some students may prefer to be praised privately, not in front of the other students.

• Express concern during a student's time of need or hardship, and encourage her classmates to do the same.

References

• Education World, The Educator's Best Friend
• Developing Self-Discipline and Preventing and Correcting Misbehavior, G.G. Bear and M.A. Manning

Resources

• California State University, Los Angeles, Classroom Management Resource Site
• Broward County Public Schools, Office of Prevention Programs