R U Assertive? has a useful chapter on practical ways to support students in developing stronger self-concepts.  As you start a new year, why not use Positive Self-Talk which is in Chapter 7?  We make hundreds of self-statements each day and often we become “numb” to our self-talk.  Start by listening to what you are saying to yourself.  Are you making kind self-statements?  Are you critical of yourself?  Do you hear yourself making negative self-statements?  Are you putting yourself down?  After you notice your internal remarks, start to identify positive traits about yourself and make more of these remarks in your “inside talk.”

Students (and adults) may not be aware of their true desires, so it may be difficult to use assertive skills.  They may lack clarity about what they want because they are trying to please others or they may be confused about their goals or intentions.  Chapter 3 in R U Assertive? deals with these issues.  By using the techniques in Chapter 3 such as Writing Sprints, Relaxation Techniques, or Space Cushions, etc. students can reach a greater degree of clarity about their choices.  Students can also perceive the roadblocks to their goals.  Once these issues become clearer and students access their true feelings, assertive skills are a natural progression.

Where are you most conflicted in life?  How are you handling your conflicts?

Assertive skills can positively impact a student’s self-concept.  Self confidence gives students more control over their lives.  As a student develops a clearer understanding about feelings and goals, assertive skills give one a method for expressing themselves.  With each success at expressing themselves, students feel stronger about who they are and their accomplishments.  Students develop self-respect in the knowledge that he or she is learning how to take care of themselves.

Assertive skills are valuable tools for empowering students who have learning differences.  Assertive skills can be easily incorporated into learning styles programs such as Multiple Intelligences.

In Multiple Intelligence classes students learn that there are many ways of being smart.  In order to effectively utilize knowledge regarding the extent of one’s abilities, assertive skills are used to assist students in becoming advocates for themselves.  Students begin this process by studying the four different styles or methods of communication:  assertive, passive, passive-aggressive, and aggressive.  The style that is the most effective out of the four methods of communication is the assertive style.