How can teachers best facilitate the improvement of students' self-esteem?

Emphasizing individual progress and strengths is an effective way to improve students' self-esteem because it encourages them to recognize and celebrate their unique abilities and achievements. When teachers focus on students' personal growth, they help learners to set realistic goals and acknowledge their improvements over time. This practice fosters a positive self-image, as students see that their efforts and progress are valued.

Additionally, by highlighting strengths, educators can combat negative self-perceptions that students might have, helping them to build confidence in their capabilities. This approach not only promotes a healthier mindset but also motivates students to engage more actively in their learning.

While fostering peer relationships through group projects can also be beneficial in promoting collaboration and social skills, it does not directly reinforce the individual recognition of accomplishments as strongly as focusing on personal progress does. Similarly, providing answers directly during tests or imposing strict grading criteria can undermine self-esteem by creating dependency or emphasizing failure rather than growth.