Do Poor Grades Reflect Low Self Esteem?
Performing poorly in any subject can be a confidence obliterator for pupils of any age. Not understanding material can make a class seem impossible and could cause the student to lose motivation which could reflect in the pupil’s grades. Why does it always seem to be math is the one subject not only adolescents struggle with but grown adults as well. You’ll hear it in any restaurant as a patron fumbles with the check trying to do mental math to calculate the tip “Sorry I’m bad at math”.
Math is such an important skill contributing to career fields such as science, technology, medical and so many more high-paying jobs. All professions which require high levels of confidence.
Studies show, when it comes to student achievement, non-cognitive skills like confidence, grit and self-control can have a big impact. These specific skills can help students, particularly those at-risk of failing, to persist academically. One study of fourth- through eighth-graders demonstrated that self-regulation was a better predictor of report card improvements than IQ. Many students who struggle in math are not only struggling to solve algebraic expressions; they’re also questioning their ability to ever do so in more simpler terms. By continuously trying and failing to solve these problems, it puts the pupil’s own intelligence into question. “Why can everyone but me solve this”, “Maybe I’m just dumb”. This lack of confidence can potentially be more damaging to students’ success than any other academic challenges that arise in their educational experience.
With fear of being wrong, many students will retract into themselves during class time. Refusing to answer questions or be participate during class discussions. Why would a student want to shout out an answer they believed to be wrong? No one ever wants to be wrong, it’s embarrassing. Lacking such confidence can deter a student’s drive to continue their path to higher education. What students fail to realize is sometimes it’s not their fault. Not understanding material can be caused by a variety of reasons, one being an incompatible teacher. We’ve all had teachers that we have found difficult to learn from. Not having that connection can be a serious issue with a pupil’s success. Not all students and teachers are the perfect match, whether it be a language barrier or teaching style, switching instructors, or getting help from an additional source which you “get” can make the difference.
We as a nation should strive to never hear the phrase “Sorry, I’m bad at math” again. By building confidence in students at a young age, improvement will be seen not only in the classroom but how they carry themselves as a person. Improving a student’s math skills will help them in their daily lives, but also assist in furthering their education thus boosting the chance of securing a higher paying career. Mathnasium has a unique program suited for kids of all ages and stages of math learning. Call or come in to learn more. http://www.mathnasium.com/peachtreecity
Math is such an important skill contributing to career fields such as science, technology, medical and so many more high-paying jobs. All professions which require high levels of confidence.
Studies show, when it comes to student achievement, non-cognitive skills like confidence, grit and self-control can have a big impact. These specific skills can help students, particularly those at-risk of failing, to persist academically. One study of fourth- through eighth-graders demonstrated that self-regulation was a better predictor of report card improvements than IQ. Many students who struggle in math are not only struggling to solve algebraic expressions; they’re also questioning their ability to ever do so in more simpler terms. By continuously trying and failing to solve these problems, it puts the pupil’s own intelligence into question. “Why can everyone but me solve this”, “Maybe I’m just dumb”. This lack of confidence can potentially be more damaging to students’ success than any other academic challenges that arise in their educational experience.
With fear of being wrong, many students will retract into themselves during class time. Refusing to answer questions or be participate during class discussions. Why would a student want to shout out an answer they believed to be wrong? No one ever wants to be wrong, it’s embarrassing. Lacking such confidence can deter a student’s drive to continue their path to higher education. What students fail to realize is sometimes it’s not their fault. Not understanding material can be caused by a variety of reasons, one being an incompatible teacher. We’ve all had teachers that we have found difficult to learn from. Not having that connection can be a serious issue with a pupil’s success. Not all students and teachers are the perfect match, whether it be a language barrier or teaching style, switching instructors, or getting help from an additional source which you “get” can make the difference.
We as a nation should strive to never hear the phrase “Sorry, I’m bad at math” again. By building confidence in students at a young age, improvement will be seen not only in the classroom but how they carry themselves as a person. Improving a student’s math skills will help them in their daily lives, but also assist in furthering their education thus boosting the chance of securing a higher paying career. Mathnasium has a unique program suited for kids of all ages and stages of math learning. Call or come in to learn more. http://www.mathnasium.com/peachtreecity
