How does children's understanding of their competencies evolve?

Children's understanding of their competencies evolves through self-evaluation, social comparison, and feedback from others.

As children grow and develop, they begin to form a sense of self and their abilities. They may compare themselves to others and receive feedback from parents, teachers, and peers. This process helps them to establish a more accurate understanding of their competencies.

Self-evaluation is a crucial part of this process. Children may reflect on their own performance and use this information to adjust their expectations and goals. For example, if a child struggles with maths, they may recognise this and work harder to improve in this area.

Social comparison also plays a role in children's understanding of their competencies. They may compare themselves to others who are similar in age, gender, or ability. This can help them to understand how they measure up and identify areas in which they excel or need to improve.

Feedback from others is another important factor. Children may receive praise or criticism from parents, teachers, or peers, which can influence their self-perception and understanding of their competencies. Positive feedback can boost their confidence, while negative feedback can motivate them to work harder.

Overall, children's understanding of their competencies evolves as they grow and develop, through self-evaluation, social comparison, and feedback from others.