8 Ways To Build Student’s Self-esteem By:
ELSIE T. TORRENO has a Bachelor of Science in Education and Masters in Child Study degrees from the Philippine Normal University. She started as a grade school/preschool teacher more than 30 years ago and now effectively balances her time being a preschool education specialist, dynamic teacher trainor, and principal of Cavite School for Life. She is one of the authors of Abiva Preschool Series. Self-esteem can affect the academic performance of students in school. A low self-esteem lessens students’ motivation to learn, capacity to focus on their work, and openness to take risks. Students with low self-esteem may be shy or afraid to talk to the teacher or their classmates. They may also avoid participating in classroom activities as they think that that they are not good at anything Teachers can improve their students’ self-esteem through their daily encounter and interactions in the classroom. Here are 8 tips to help build students’ self-esteem: 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. Help students deal with difficulty. Tell them success stories of how once shy people have overcome difficulties and disappointments by believing in their own capacity to solve their problems. Explain how everybody experiences challenges and that all these are part of the learning process. Encourage them to believe in their ability to succeed. 8. Share evidence of success. Call or send a note to parents to inform 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.
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