As a potential teacher, it was interesting to note the powerful affect a positive self-concept and high self-esteem have on a child's achievement in school. Children who perceive themselves as competent and able students are more intrinsically motivated to learn and achieve in school. Therefore, students who are confident are generally more successful in the classroom. Yet, are they confident because they have a positive self-concept and have a high self-esteem or are they sure of themselves because they are successful? It is the classic chicken or egg debate! It seems logical to suggest that there is a link between self-perception and school achievement however doesn't school achievement have an affect on self-perception? I would say the latter is true as well! If a child performs well in class, then he/she will develop an identity through this success. If "Carlos" receives high scores in math, it is highly likely that "Carlos" will perceive himself as a strong math student.
Nonetheless, it is important to acknowledge that this cause and effect relationship supports the power of positive reinforcement. As teachers, it is our duty to help students develop a positive self-image. And for children who are still forming their self-concept, our feedback and reactions are crucial to their development. So, it is integral to understand the power and influence that we have on students' lives through our words and actions as teachers.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Response to above post
ReplyDeleteI wrote about the same idea and in my personal opinion that students who are successful feel the success and therefore are confident. I guess it could go either way though. I like how you related it back to last week’s blog about motivation. I think all of these ideas and concepts are not separate entities, but all linked. A student needs motivation and self esteem and self concept in order to be successful in school and life.