May 2021
CARES
“Talk to yourself as if you would to someone you love” – Brene Brown
...about Building Self Esteem
The impact of Self Esteem on Academic Performance Self-esteem involves one’s sense of self-worth and value. Self-esteem and academic performance in school-aged children go hand-in-hand, and there is a direct correlation between the two. When students have learning difficulties, this can often impact their sense of self-worth and how they perceive themselves overall as a student. Helping students who struggle academically feel resilient, confident, and comfortable with themselves and their abilities is vital in assisting them to maintain their self-esteem when it comes to academic performance. The impact that self-esteem can have on a student’s academic performance can be underestimated. However, research has proven time and time again that students that have learning differences but have high self-esteem perform better academically than students who struggle with their self-esteem. Helping students who struggle academically build and maintain their self-esteem allows them to solidify an appropriate foundation for their lifelong learning.
Sıgns of Lack of Self-Esteem Regarding Academics: • Task avoidance • Low frustration tolerance • Signs of academic and social regression • Giving up easily • Signs of anxiety • Lack of interest or motivation either in a specific subject area or in school overall • Overly self-critical • Highly sensitive to other’s opinions about oneself and abilities • Delaying work completion and submission
Characteristics of Students who have high self-esteem: • Believe in themselves and their abilities • Are expressive and voice their opinions and insight • Know what they want and need • They have the drive to succeed • They feel comfortable with change • Goal-oriented • They can laugh at their mistakes
Building on Students’ Self-Esteem Educators/Specialists: Acknowledge accomplishments and encourage effort Establish realistic expectations for each student helping maintain their self-confidence Avoid comparing student accomplishments; instead, emphasize the uniqueness and individual growth. Allow students to explore academic areas that they feel very confident and strongly about Reinforce their strengths Provide opportunities for success Provide positive feedback and encouragement Help students understand that mistakes are part of the learning process Empower their sense of ownership regarding academic tasks Create realistic expectations Embrace a growth mindset Parents: Work closely with the school to enhance your child's learning experience Encourage your child(ren) to pursue their interests Step back and allow your child(ren) to make choices Let your child(ren) take healthy educational risks Provide unconditional acceptance and support Encourage your child(ren) to openly discuss thoughts and concerns, helping normalize any unpleasant feelings Emphasize the importance of a balanced routine between academic
Contributors:
Christiana Perakis, perakisc@acs.gr Natalia A. Maravegias, MSc., maravegiasn@acs.gr
obligations and extracurricular activities Encourage independence Remind them that even if they do not achieve the desired goal, they have gained and learned something from the process Praise not only the accomplishments but also the effort Students: Use positive affirmations correctly Identify your competencies and develop them Learn to accept compliments Eliminate self-criticism and introduce self-compassion Affirm your real worth Be nice to yourself Know that nobody's perfect Remember that everyone makes mistakes Focus on what you can change Do what makes you happy Celebrate the small things
Working towards building and maintaining one’s self-esteem plays a fundamental role in how students experience, understand, and approach their learning within the school environment, allowing them to feel resilient and take risks that can enhance their educational background and lifelong learning.