Sense of Self

In the recent weeks past, I feel like I have come to understand a great deal about development. Among this knowledge that I have gained, my thoughts are turned to one thing in particular: sense of self development. 

Everyone has a sense of self; however, everyone's sense of self various. Generally, this sense is impacted my three major factors. The first major factor is dependent upon success and failures. If one experiences failure, it is likely that self-concept spirals downward. However, if the same person experiences success, it is likely that  self-concept is brought up. Generally, the total ratio of failures to success is irrelevant; the impact of these two things is not generated my a total amount. It has actually been found that the impact of success versus failure comes from the magnitude of an event. For example, if an individual has a great amount of success, he or she might feel great about themselves. Nevertheless, if one great failure comes along, it can completely ruin this individual. Yes, one event can change everything. This same example can be applied in reverse: one major success can supersede a long list of failures. 
    
Interestingly enough, it has been found that men and women are very different when it comes to success and failures; gender greatly influences sense of self. To begin, it appears that men have a healthy self concept. After completing task, when asked how they did, men are quick to respond in a positive manner. Obviously, they are confident (at least for the most part). However, although confident, studies show that men actually site themselves higher than their true successes. In lame terms, men truly are not doing as well as they think they are. The same cannot be said about women. When asked the same, women site themselves lower their true successes. It is a curious thing. Furthermore, when questioned about accomplishments, men attribute success to personal skills and talents. When women were asked, it was found that women attributed their success to hard work, luck, and the help of others. Undoubtedly, gender greatly influences sense of self.
    
In addition to success and failure, there are two other things that influence sense of self: other's behavior toward you, as well as membership within a group. 

When learning about sense of self, I was completely taken back. Personally, the studies seemed a little ridiculous to me. I wondered why men and women could be so different. I was curious why gender had such a significant influences on self concept. To me, the studies just could not be true. 
    
In further learning about this, i discovered something: it was all true. Suddenly, I felt that I could relate to the material that we were talking about. When I truly thought about it, I realized that I was like the women that we spoke about in class. I do not have the healthiest self concept; I fell that too many failures rule my life. When I complete work, I underestimate myself. When I do succeed, I fail to recognize my personal greatness. Why? Because if I do have this personal recognition, I feel that I instantly am label as "proud". And that is the last thing that I want to be. 
    
In class I have learned that it is fine to recognize personal success. I have learned that it is possible to do this in a way and still be humble. With that in mind, I have been striving to gain a healthier sense of self. I have tried to recognize the things that I am good at; I "owe" what I do and what I say. 

With these certain things in mind, there are things that I want to implement as a teacher:

1. With each new school year, I want to teach my students that "put downs" are not acceptable. I will go on to explain how bullying is not tolerated. In this explanation, I will teach my students that they are not even allowed to bully themselves. I want my students to have a positive self image.
2. When my students do something well, I think that I should make it known. I would like to personally talk with the students; I want them to understand their successes. In doing this, I hope that my students will gain more confidence. 
3. At the start of each school day, I think it would be nice to set aside a few minutes to share good news. If a student has done something that they are proud of, I would like to give them time to tell the class. Doing this, I hope that students will embrace success rather than failure.