The Importance of Developing Student Mental Assets

Posted on January 6, 2023

As students navigate the challenges of academic and personal growth, it is crucial that they have the Developmental Assets necessary to face these challenges head-on A set of characteristics that enable individuals to successfully navigate their social and emotional environments, developmental assets are skills that include things like self-regulation, self-esteem, and social skills

While cognitive skills such as reading, writing, and math are important for academic success, mental assets are just as essential for a student's overall well-being and achievement. Research has shown that mental assets are strong predictors of academic success, and students with strong mental assets are more likely to excel in school and in life.

Creating Opportunities for Children

As educators and caregivers, it is our responsibility to create opportunities for children to develop their mental assets. This can be achieved through a variety of methods, including providing a safe and supportive learning environment, promoting positive relationships between students and adults, and encouraging students to take on leadership roles.

One effective way to create opportunities for children is through the use of experiential learning. This type of learning involves actively participating in hands-on activities and experiences, rather than just passively receiving information. Experiential learning allows students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world situations, which can be particularly beneficial for the development of mental assets.

Another way to create opportunities for children is through the use of project-based learning. This approach to education involves students working together on a long-term project, with the goal of solving a real-world problem. Project-based learning not only promotes the development of mental assets, but it also fosters critical thinking skills and promotes collaboration and teamwork.

Providing Support for Children

In addition to creating opportunities for children to develop their mental assets, it is also important to provide support for those who may be struggling with academics. This can be achieved through a variety of methods, including offering counseling and social-emotional learning programs, providing access to mental health resources, and working with families to address any underlying issues.

One effective way to provide support for children is through the use of social-emotional learning programs. These programs are designed to help students develop the skills necessary to understand and manage their emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, and establish and maintain positive relationships. Research has shown that social-emotional learning programs can improve academic achievement, reduce behavior problems, and increase social skills.

Developing Equitable Relationships Between Young People and Adult Stakeholders

In order for students to fully benefit from the opportunities and support provided by educators and caregivers, it is essential that there be equitable relationships between young people and adult stakeholders. This means that all students, regardless of their background or circumstances, have access to the same resources and opportunities.

To create equitable relationships, it is important for adult stakeholders to listen to and respect the perspectives and experiences of young people. This can be achieved through the use of student voice and choice, which involves giving students a say in decisions that affect them and allowing them to have a role in shaping their own learning experiences.

In addition to listening and respecting the perspectives of young people, it is also important for adult stakeholders to recognize and address any systemic barriers that may be preventing students from fully participating in their education. This may include addressing issues such as poverty, discrimination, or lack of access to resources.

Chess as a tool

Chess has a number of benefits for students, both in terms of their cognitive skills and mental assets . Some of the key benefits of chess play for students include:

1. Improved critical thinking and problem-solving skills:

Chess requires players to analyze and evaluate different situations and make strategic decisions. This can help students develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

2. Increased focus and concentration: 

Chess requires players to pay attention to the board and anticipate their opponents' moves. This can help students develop their focus and concentration skills.

3. Enhanced memory and mental flexibility:

Chess requires players to remember different positions and strategies, and to adapt their approach as the game progresses. This can help students improve their memory and mental flexibility.

4. Increased self-esteem and confidence:

As students become more skilled at chess, they may experience an increase in self-esteem and confidence. This can translate to other areas of their lives, such as their academic and personal relationships.

5. Improved social skills:

Chess requires players to interact with each other and follow rules, which can help students develop their social skills.

Overall, chess can be a valuable tool for helping students develop a range of mental assets and skills that will benefit them both in and out of the classroom.

Keep In Mind

The development of student mental assets is crucial for academic and personal success. As educators and caregivers, it is our responsibility to create opportunities for students to develop these skills, as well as provide support for those who may be struggling. One effective way to do this is through the use of experiential learning, project-based learning, and social-emotional learning programs. It is also important to create equitable relationships between young people and adult stakeholders, and to recognize and address any systemic barriers that may be preventing students from fully participating in their education. Additionally, chess play can be a valuable tool for helping students develop a range of mental assets and skills, including critical thinking, concentration, memory, self-esteem, and social skills.