Post on 15-Dec-2015
description
Promoting Self Confidence among Middle School Students
By Dina Durnin, School CounselorHoech Middle School
Self-Esteem Issues in Middle School
The importance of self-esteemTraining your own thoughtsStriving for perfectionHow to view mistakesGoal setting
The Importance of Self-Esteem
The importance of self-esteem is a direct reflection on one’s influence on their lives. Self-esteem affects relationships, academic achievement, and living life to it’s fullest.
The developmental growth stage that pre-teens and young teens encounter during Middle School are especially challenging when trying to figure out who they are and where they fit in.
Training Your Own Thoughts
When trying to change low self-esteem students should focus on retraining their negative thoughts into positive self-talk.
Steps to use, identify negative self-talk, stop, think of a strength, and use positive self-talk.
Striving for Perfection
Striving for perfection is impossible in life and could be damaging to one’s self-esteem. A shift in thinking to setting attainable goals and reaching them is a healthier way to reach higher levels of self-confidence.
How to view mistakes
Changing the way a student views mistakes impacts their self-esteem, retraining the thought process to view mistakes as challenges or opportunities to learn, are more effective when attaining higher levels of self-esteem.
Goal Setting
Setting attainable goals for oneself is important when reflecting on successes. Many small goal successes lead to larger goal setting and belief that you can accomplish them.
Description of Self-Esteem Groups
Two Separate Groups Consisted of:– One group of 10 eighth grade female students– Second group of 8 eighth grade male studentsSettings
Small group in a classroomOnce a week for 45-55 minutesSix weeksTime of day varied within school day
Interventions & Measurements
Weekly self-esteem lessons/activities facilitated by the counselor and school social worker.
Counselor generated pre and post survey
Measuring Student Change
Pre and post survey comparison results
Teacher Observation Feedback
Parent Conference
Data Results—Girls Group Pre-test
Girls Group Survey Pre-Test
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
I fee
l lik
e I
have
per
sona
l
I hav
e hi
ghse
lf-es
teem
I und
erst
and
my
purp
ose
I hav
e at
leas
ton
e ta
lent
I hav
e a
posi
tive
I lik
e m
ysel
f
I ofte
n w
orry
abou
t my
life
I con
trol m
e
Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree
Data Results—Girls Group Post-test
Girls Group Survey Post-Test
0123456789
10
I fee
l lik
e I
have
per
sona
l
I hav
e hi
ghse
lf-es
teem
I und
ersta
ndm
y pu
rpos
e
I hav
e at
leas
ton
e ta
lent
I bel
ieve
I ca
nac
hiev
e m
y
I ofte
n th
ink
of m
y fu
ture
I am
hap
pyw
ith m
y lif
e
I hav
epe
rson
al
Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree
Data Results—Boys Group Pre-test
Boys Group Survey Pre-Test
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
I feel like I have personal power
I understand my purpose in life
I have at least one talent
I believe I can achieve my goal(s)
I often worry about my life
I control me and my decisions
Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree
Data Results—Boys Group Post-test
Boys Group Survey Post-Test
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
I feel like I have personal power
I understand my purpose in life
I have at least one talent
I believe I can achieve my goal(s)
I often worry about my life
I control me and my decisions
Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree
Data Analysis
Graphed results from the pre and post tests completed by group participants
Interviews from teachers with direct observation/contact of group participants
Interview from parents/peers with direct interactions of group participants
Summary of Self-Esteem Groups
According to self reported data by group participants students gained:– A better understanding of self-esteem– A positive outlook on their future and
current situations– Knowledge/skills they can use to retrain
their thought process and setting goals
Summary of Self-Esteem Groups
Teacher observations and reports indicate:– Students contributed more to classroom
discussions– Students self advocacy increased– Students made positive decisions in
classroom/peer interactions
Summary of Self-Esteem Groups
Parents reported:– Students gained insight to importance of
decision-making – Students understand the importance of goal
setting– Students learned how their actions impact
their self image and how others view them
Implications for Future
Understanding that self-esteem in the Middle School is a continuous problem and future small groups are needed to assist students in recognizing their true potential in life.
Quotes
“Confidence comes from not always being right, but learning to be wrong.” ~Peter T. McIntyre
“Each time we face our fear, we gain strength, courage, and confidence in the doing.” ~Unknown