Sense of Competence among Students

In this article, I contend that young people need to feel competent in a certain area so they can flourish in life and that the virtue of industry and related values can be imbibed. Since youth spend a huge amount of time in school, it should also be a place in which it must conducive for developing their sense of competence.

As a teacher, I put that premise in my mind and every undertaking I do in school. Whenever I teach, it should be done in accordance to their development so they will not shy away from the task given to them. It should be taught in an educationally sound way so they will not perceive it as impossible. As a facilitator of learning, I guide their development and teach them in gradual steps, from practical to abstractions, so they can totally understand a lesson or perform a skill.

I observed that some of students are good in arts, but lag behind in math. Some were vocally fluent, while others’ strengths were in science. Considering the different multiple intelligences among students, I understand that there are various strengths per student. There are different leanings and inclinations in which they can feel they are competent.

I also understand that some students may not excel in academics, because their strength is in the arena of kinesthetic activities. Many of my students got their competence in sports such as in football, swimming, and basketball. And our school provides such avenue to nourish their competence. Therefore, we conduct various athletic activities in school and even join events in relation to that outside the campus.

Furthermore, to harness and even make their competence flourish, we make sure that the school culture is encouraging and that they will not be diffident in showing their talents and potentialities. We conduct various academic, cultural, and athletic competitions. We even collaborate with other institutions for that. We see that they grow in such way. They also cultivate their sense of competence. They are challenged and their abilities are honed.

Of course, teachers and the school community commend their progress and improvement. We also formally celebrate the victories and their participation in events. Tangibles such as medals, trophies, banners, and certificates are given. The student council, guided by the school, can make the sense of competence of students in terms of leadership grow. We make them talk during student assemblies about their concerns and suggestions in the school. We also encourage them to formulate activities that they think can boost the welfare of students. Such maneuvers are indispensable to make their competence flourish.