Low Skill/Low Self-Esteem

     When teaching students who have acquired a low skill level but who have low self-esteem and self-confidence, the instructor should focus on teaching the student the skills.  Until the student has learned the skills, he or she is not going to be able to assess for errors or to self-correct.    
     These students often tend to be more dependent upon external positive reinforcement so initially praise should be given on a continuous reinforcement schedule which is to praise as frequently as possible.  This external reinforcement motivates the student to continue learning the skills.  Later, this can be transitioned to an intermittent schedule of reinforcement.  Praise should focus on specific aspects of the skills that are being taught.  In addition, these students need to learn how to reframe negative feedback as guidance rather than criticism: "I think you are good enough and I care enough about your performance to help you correct your errors."