“New Power over Difficulty”
We use the term self-esteem to describe whether a person has a generally negative or positive self-regard. As a personality trait, positive self-esteem gives us the confidence to try new and different things and the resilience to overcome failure. It helps us endure criticism, both internal and external. In education, positive self-esteem gives the learner the strength to persist – to continue trying until success or mastery is realized.
As essential as it is to our growth and well-being, we must acknowledge that we cannot give someone self-esteem. There is evidence that we haven’t figured this out: when we give trophies or certificates to every student in a class, or every member of a team; when every student in a given course gets an A, or every ensemble at the contest gets a rating of first; when we use empty praise statements like “good job” to describe every outcome.
Jacques Barzun defines competence as “new power over difficulty.” He goes on to say that self-esteem is something that is earned constantly, as we learn to cope with tasks of increasing complexity. So one person cannot make another feel competent about a given task. Competence can only be earned.
Educators and parents have the task of creating an environment where all students can earn competence – an environment where every student gains “new power over difficulty.” It’s the realization of this new power -- not a certificate, a medal, a t-shirt or a grade – that will increase their sense of competence, and consequently, their positive self-perceptions.