教與學 - Fostering Student Self-Esteem 2014-11-14

Students, who have low self-esteem and a lack of confidence, are reluctant to participate in classroom discussions. They usually sit at the back of the room and lower their head when lecturers look for someone to volunteer an answer. They are even demotivated to raise questions when they encounter difficulties in understanding lecture contents. As a result, their academic performance may be adversely affected. How to help our students build their self-esteem? The following information may be worthwhile to consider:

1. Call on their name: Remember their name and call on them during classroom discussions. But ensure they know the answer. For example, they are asked to give one of the popular smartphone brands.
2. Give advance signal : Give them advance warning when we are going to call on them. For example, inform them in advance that all students in blue jackets will be the next to suggest popular brands of smartphone. This gives them "think time" in order to alleviate their anxiety, and let them prepare themselves for the answer.
3. Get them a mentor, and make them a mentor: Get them involved in a peer mentoring program. For example, a student can act as a mentor for a marketing subject and at the same time as a mentee for an accounting subject. Students always look up to peers who have better academic performance. The benefit for both students will be immeasurable.
4. Give them a responsibility: Make them in charge of something. For example, students are asked to organise a student badminton competition. Hence, they are responsible for making reservation of venue, promoting the competition, inviting student players, and recruiting umpires. It will help students feel valued, needed, and worthy of getting something accomplished.
5. Recognise their efforts: Give them recognition for their successes or completion of a task. Make them the example for the class to follow and give them the recognition that they deserve. For instance, they are awarded a certificate for being a MC of a seminar. This helps them to feel like they are doing something right, and being recognised for it.

Students with low self-esteem are not capable of reaching their highest potential. Raising students' self-esteem has a positive effect on both how students feel about themselves and how they ultimately perform in study.