Good self-esteem is essential if students are to achieve at school and also in later life. It is essential if we want our students to be happy and fulfilled people. This is clearly shown by Maslow's hierarchy of needs (below). Children with good self-esteem are also much less likely to be disruptive in the classroom.

Random pair work and classroom charters both help to raise self-esteem. Other ways include:

• Drama
• Building positive relationships
• Enhancing basic skills
• Giving students responsibility
• Encouraging self-rewarding behaviour
• Individualised pupil study contracts
• Appropriate use of feedback

There is lots of evidence that shows how teachers with good self-esteem are much more effective in the classroom. Of course there are many people in government and the media who do their best to ensure teachers' self-esteem is kept low! Luckily, working to enhance the self-esteem of students usually benefits teachers' self-esteem too. It also helps to read about self-esteem issues, so have a look at some of the resources!

ianhedleywork@yahoo.co.uk

This page last updated 1998-09-13.