Education for a positive self-image in a contemporary school

Abstract

In today’s world characterized by changed systems of values and materialism, peda-gogy should emphasize education for a positive self-image, especially in the contempo-rary school, whose educational goals are freedom, independence and individuality. This theoretical analysis provides a review of research on the importance and relationship of a positive self-image with other factors, such as social skills and academic achievement. Simultaneously, the methods and procedures by which teachers can foster a student’s posi-tive self-image are displayed. Although the degree of positive self-thinking is for the most part formed in interaction with other people, it is extremely important to raise students’ awareness about their own internal strengths as well as their possibility of choice. The edu-cation of a positive self-image can be considered a part of „positive pedagogy” or „positive education” which focuses on traditional skills and happiness, but also joy - fervor that ac-companies being (Fromm, 2004, p. 130)