Self-esteem in mathematics learning: How to develop it through contextual teaching and learning approach?

Abstract

Self esteem is important in learning mathematics. Self esteem is a part of self-concept that involves students in evaluation and self-assessment. But in fact in mathematics learning, there are still students who have not looked at themselves positively so resulting in students having low self esteem or lack of self confidence. Low self-esteem or lack of self-confidence can be caused by negative experiences that they had before when they studied mathematics. Whereas, self esteem has a positive effect on mathematics learning outcomes of students. There are studies that show a positive correlation between self esteem and mathematics learning achievement. Then the question is: what can a math teacher do to help students develop their self esteem? One of possible way, teachers can help students to develop their self-esteem is by applying contextual teaching and learning approach. Contextual teaching and learning approach is learning that connecting learning subject matter with everyday life. This article will discuss how to develop students’ self esteem in mathematics learning through contextual learning approach.