Lesson Plan
Confidence vs Capability Plan
Define self-esteem and self-efficacy; identify these concepts in real-life scenarios; and reflect on personal experiences to enhance self-awareness and resilience.
Understanding the difference between self-esteem (belief in self-worth) and self-efficacy (belief in one’s abilities) empowers students to set realistic goals, persevere through challenges, and develop resilience in both academic and social contexts.
Audience
7th Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Through definitions, discussions, scenario sorting, and personal reflection.
Materials
Chart Paper and Markers, - Self-Esteem and Self-Efficacy Handout, - Real-Life Scenario Cards, and - Self-Reflection Worksheet
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
- Review Self-Esteem and Self-Efficacy Handout.
- Familiarize yourself with Real-Life Scenario Cards.
- Print copies of Self-Reflection Worksheet for each student.
- Prepare chart paper and markers for group discussion.
Step 1
Introduction
5 minutes
- Distribute Self-Esteem and Self-Efficacy Handout.
- Define self-esteem and self-efficacy, highlighting key differences.
- Invite students to ask clarifying questions.
Step 2
Group Discussion
10 minutes
- Pose prompts: “When have you felt proud of yourself?” vs. “When did you believe you could complete a task?”
- Record student responses under two columns on chart paper.
- Discuss how each example illustrates self-esteem or self-efficacy.
Step 3
Scenario Sorting Activity
8 minutes
- Organize students into groups of 3–4.
- Give each group a set of Real-Life Scenario Cards.
- Ask groups to sort cards under ‘Self-Esteem’ or ‘Self-Efficacy’ and discuss reasoning.
- Have one representative share their group’s example with the class.
Step 4
Personal Reflection
5 minutes
- Hand out Self-Reflection Worksheet.
- Students write one personal example of when they felt self-esteem and one when they experienced self-efficacy.
- Encourage volunteers to share insights.
Step 5
Wrap-Up
2 minutes
- Invite a few students to briefly share reflections.
- Summarize the distinction between self-esteem and self-efficacy.
- Collect reflection worksheets for informal assessment.
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Slide Deck
Confidence vs Capability
Understanding Self-Esteem and Self-Efficacy
Welcome students to the session. Introduce the topic as exploring the difference between self-esteem (confidence in your worth) and self-efficacy (confidence in your abilities).
Learning Objectives
• Define self-esteem and self-efficacy
• Identify these concepts in real-life scenarios
• Reflect on personal experiences to build resilience
Read each objective aloud. Ask if any student needs clarification on what they’ll learn today.
What Is Self-Esteem?
• Your overall sense of self-worth or value
• Shapes how proud you feel about yourself
Examples:
– Feeling proud after winning a game
– Believing you’re a kind friend
Distribute the Self-Esteem and Self-Efficacy Handout. Explain that self-esteem is about how much we value ourselves.
What Is Self-Efficacy?
• Your belief in your ability to succeed at tasks
• Drives how you approach challenges
Examples:
– Believing you can complete a science project
– Feeling confident you can learn a new skill
Refer students to the handout. Emphasize that self-efficacy is about belief in performing a specific task.
Group Discussion
Discuss with a partner:
• When have you felt proud of yourself?
• When did you believe you could complete a difficult task?
Record responses under Self-Esteem or Self-Efficacy.
Pose each prompt and have students discuss briefly. Write responses in two columns labeled “Self-Esteem” and “Self-Efficacy” on chart paper.
Scenario Sorting Activity
- Sort each Real-Life Scenario Card under “Self-Esteem” or “Self-Efficacy”
- Discuss why you placed it there
- Select one scenario to share with the class
Divide into groups of 3–4. Give each group a set of Real-Life Scenario Cards. Circulate and guide their sorting.
Personal Reflection
On your Self-Reflection Worksheet:
• Write one example of when you felt self-esteem
• Write one example of when you felt self-efficacy
• Be ready to share if comfortable
Hand out the Self-Reflection Worksheet. Encourage students to write quietly and share if they wish.
Wrap-Up & Summary
Key Takeaways:
• Self-Esteem = belief in your worth
• Self-Efficacy = belief in your abilities
Use both to set goals and face challenges with confidence.
Briefly recap the definitions and thank students for their participation. Collect worksheets for informal assessment.
Worksheet
Scenario Cards
Below are 10 real-life scenarios. Cut out each card and, in your group, decide whether it represents self-esteem (belief in your worth) or self-efficacy (belief in your ability to succeed at a specific task). Be prepared to explain your reasoning for each choice.
Card 1:
“I helped my friend when they were feeling sad, and it made me feel like a good person.”
Card 2:
“I was certain I could score well on the upcoming math test after studying for hours.”
Card 3:
“I felt proud of myself for being a loyal team member during our class project.”
Card 4:
“I believed I could learn to play a new song on the guitar if I practiced every day.”
Card 5:
“Receiving compliments on my artwork made me feel like a creative person.”
Card 6:
“I was confident I could finish my science experiment correctly by following the steps.”
Card 7:
“Volunteering at the school bake sale showed me I can be helpful to others.”
Card 8:
“I knew I could score the winning goal in soccer because I’d practiced that shot many times.”
Card 9:
“Getting a badge for perfect attendance made me feel responsible and committed.”
Card 10:
“I felt sure I could research and write my history report by using the library and online sources.”
Worksheet
Self-Reflection Worksheet
Take a few minutes to think about your own experiences with self-esteem (belief in your self-worth) and self-efficacy (belief in your ability to succeed at tasks). Write your responses below.
1. Personal Example of Self-Esteem
Describe a time when you felt proud of yourself or recognized your own value. What happened and how did it make you feel? Why is this an example of self-esteem?
2. Personal Example of Self-Efficacy
Describe a time when you believed you could complete a specific task or challenge. What was the task, and what helped you feel confident you could succeed? Why is this an example of self-efficacy?
3. Building More Self-Esteem
What is one area of your life (in school, with friends, or at home) where you’d like to feel more self-esteem? What steps could you take to recognize and celebrate your worth in that area?
4. Strengthening Self-Efficacy
Identify a skill or task you want to improve. What specific actions or practice steps will you plan to boost your confidence in completing that task?
5. Why Both Matter
In 1–2 sentences, explain why having both self-esteem and self-efficacy can help you set goals and handle challenges more effectively.
Reading
Self-Esteem and Self-Efficacy Handout
What Is Self-Esteem?
Self-esteem is your overall sense of self-worth or value. It’s how much you believe you deserve respect and positive recognition from yourself and others. When your self-esteem is healthy, you feel proud of who you are, even when you make mistakes.
Examples of self-esteem:
• Feeling proud of yourself after helping a friend in need.
• Believing you are a kind, loyal, or creative person.
• Accepting compliments about your generosity or sense of humor.
What Is Self-Efficacy?
Self-efficacy is your belief in your ability to succeed at specific tasks or challenges. It’s about trusting your skills and effort to reach a goal. Strong self-efficacy helps you tackle difficult tasks, try new things, and keep going when you hit setbacks.
Examples of self-efficacy:
• Being certain you can score well on a math test after enough practice.
• Believing you can learn to play a new song on guitar by dedicating time each day.
• Feeling confident you can complete a science experiment correctly by following instructions.
How Are They Different?
- Scope: Self-esteem is about who you are; self-efficacy is about what you can do.
- Focus: Self-esteem emphasizes your value and worth; self-efficacy emphasizes your skills and effort.
- Outcome: High self-esteem makes you feel good about yourself in general; high self-efficacy makes you believe you can reach your goals.
Why Both Matter
Having both healthy self-esteem and strong self-efficacy equips you to set realistic goals and persevere through challenges. When you value yourself (self-esteem) and trust your abilities (self-efficacy), you’re more likely to try new tasks, bounce back from failure, and keep growing—both in school and in life.
Cool Down
Confidence Check-Out
As we wrap up today’s session on self-esteem and self-efficacy, take a moment to reflect. Write your responses to the prompts below.
1. One thing I learned today:
2. One question I still have:
Thank you for sharing your thoughts!