We also share language and certain behaviours with other members of our culture. For example, in traditional Zulu culture it is a sign of disrespect for a child to look an adult in the eye. This behaviour influences children’s self-concept as they understand that they are less important than adults and must show them respect.


Environment and community


Our environment includes our home, school and broader community. Our experiences in our environment affect the development of our self-concept. If we experience acceptance and success we will develop a positive self-concept. For example, when teachers reward us with praise or we get good marks it makes us feel confident about our abilities. On the other hand, failure can lead to development of a negative self-concept. But sometimes failure can motivate us to improve. For example, if you are not chosen for the athletics team, it could motivate you to train harder.


Self-motivation


Self-motivated learners work hard to achieve their goals.


Self-motivation is linked to self-concept. If you have a positive self-concept you will be more motivated to achieve the things that are important to you. When you achieve the things you set out to do, you feel good about yourself and this improves your self-concept. Self-motivation starts with wanting to do something and believing that you can do it. But that is not enough. You also have to have a plan that will help you achieve your aims.


Activity 2 Find out how self-motivated you are


Work on your own to do the following quiz. Look at each question and decide which of the three answers best describe you. Is it something you do often, only sometimes, or seldom? Then tick the box that best described you next to each question.


Once the whole class has completed all the questions, you will look at which column you have chosen most, and your teacher will explain to you what that means.


Questions


1. Do you have a plan of action for every day? 2. If you do make a plan, do you stick to it? 3. Do you aim to achieve certain results in tests and exams? 4. Are you not easily distracted when working towards your aim?


5. Do you never put off doing tasks so that you can take part in other activities instead?


6. Do you find it easy to work on things you do not like or that are difficult in order to achieve your goal?


1. Yes, often 2. Sometimes 3. Seldom


10 Term 1


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