What approach is likely to be most effective in nurturing self-esteem in students?

Fostering self-esteem in students is best achieved by assisting them in developing specific individual goals based on their unique learning strengths and needs. This approach recognizes that each student has different capabilities and challenges, allowing them to set achievable, personalized objectives that can lead to feelings of accomplishment and improvement.

When students work on goals tailored to their individual skills, they are more likely to experience success in a supportive environment that values their personal progress. This individualized focus enables them to recognize their own strengths, build confidence, and feel a sense of ownership over their learning journey. As they achieve these goals, they can celebrate their efforts, leading to a stronger sense of self-worth and increased motivation.

In contrast, encouraging competition among peers may foster a superficial sense of self-esteem that is contingent upon outperforming others rather than personal growth. Providing constant praise can undermine authenticity by making praise feel less meaningful over time and may not help students develop a realistic self-assessment of their abilities. Setting high academic expectations for all can be beneficial in some contexts but may also lead to discouragement if those expectations do not align with individual students' abilities and needs, potentially harming their self-esteem if they struggle to meet them.

By focusing on personalized goal-setting, students can thrive in a way that