Learning and Self-Esteem The main purpose of Alfie Kohn's article "The Truth about Self-Esteem" is to provide a critique of existing literature and prevailing beliefs about the importance of self-esteem on children's learning. The author points out key problems with the debate between pro-self-esteem educators and the more traditional, "old school" view that self-esteem is irrelevant. Kohn asserts that neither position is totally satisfactory and offers some ideas for more constructive approaches to the subject. The literature review, which is arranged and presented more like an essay than a proper literature review, deals with the limitations of scientific research, with the problem of focusing on self-esteem as opposed to selflessness, and with the problems with Old School education as well. After presenting a review of the literature concurrent with his personal stance on the issues, Kohn concludes that more fruitful research should be conducted if the goal is to improve children's learning abilities and general...

The introduction presents the problem to be discussed in broad terms and sets the tone for the remainder of the article. Part One, called The Facts: What the Research Says (and Doesn't Say) is sub-divided to denote several major categories of related research, including The Measurement of Self-Esteem; Self-Esteem and Social Behavior; Self-Esteem and Academic Achievement; Self-Esteem Programs; and the Meaning of Disappointing Data. This section of the article contains the bulk of the literature review proper; the remainder of the article contains more personal commentary. Part Two, called The Values: Why the Emphasis on Self-Esteem is Troubling challenges the desirability of studying self-esteem in the first place. In particular, the author asserts that too much emphasis on self-esteem encourages unhealthy self-absorption. Part Three is called The Critics: Missing the Point. This…