Summary of current research and classroom implications
This video explains an additional model of the relationship between schools and adolescent self-esteem. In particular, he discusses how educators can support adolescent self-esteem in the classroom. I encourage you to watch the video but have provided a summary of key action steps he discusses that educators can use to increase self-efficacy. A list of the action steps is posted below the video.
Key Action steps discussed in the video:
- Increase the use of formative assessments in the classroom and involve them in the assessment process
- Embrace and celebrate mistakes that happen in the classroom while learning
- Increase challenges
- Praise selectively - do not overpraise
- Challenge students' beliefs about ability
- Emphasize that pro-social behavior reflects on the individual as well
- Utilize peer-assisted learning and tutoring in a structured environment
Further suggestions for classroom support
In addition to the action steps David Miller discussed in his video above, I believe that we can make additional strides toward increased self-efficacy with our students. Based on the reciprocal relationship between academic self-concept and academic achievement, It is important that we support students in both domains simultaneously. I think this primarily supports Miller's suggestions about praising students and providing challenging activities. However, we must be careful not to overpraise students because inflated self-estimates have been shown to contribute to a decline in academic success. Further research shows that children with higher levels of self-control are better achievers which supports the inclusion of student-centered approaches such as project-based learning and flipped-classroom techniques. More investigation in to methods to increase academic self-concept and achievement is certainly needed. Perhaps we need to look at less conventional ways to improve these domains. Research out of India found that music therapy correlates to an increase in self-esteem.