Personal Power refers to a sense of inner power. It is not about power to manipulate, coerce, or force. It’s not about power over people. The word “power” comes from the Latin word “potere,” which means “to be able.” The “able” words in our vocabulary reflect this meaning: able, capable, valuable, and manageable. An additional word especially for this course: response–able.

Research shows those persons who believe they are in personal control of their lives are less susceptible to the social pressures of others, such as approval or disapproval (Friedman & Lackey, 1991). Structured experiences that focus upon the relationship between behavior and its consequences can enhance a child’s sense of internal control (Nowicki & Barnes, 1973). Also, having a "low level of personal efficacy or power" is a characteristic often attributed to "at risk" students (Jones & Jones, 2004; Barton, 2005).

Personal Power Definition: Having the resources, the opportunity, and the capability to influence the circumstances of one’s own life.

Students Who Possess a Strong Sense of Personal Power:

• Have the competence to do what they must.
• Believe that they can do what they set out to do.
• Feel that they can handle, one way or another, what is put before them.
• Know that they can get what they need in order to do what they must.
• Feel that they are in charge of their own lives.
• Feel comfortable when they have a responsibility to fulfill.
• Know that others cannot make them do anything they really do not want to do.
• Feel that they can make decisions and solve most of their problems.
• Know that in spite of pressure or stress, they are not going to easily lose control of themselves.
• Are able to use the skills they have in situations that require those skills.
• Believe that they can influence their environment.

In a positive learning environment, students will acquire and embody these characteristics of learners who possess a strong personal power. They will be able to make the right decisions to positively impact academic achievement. As they become more self-responsible, students will take the initiative needed to be successful to climb to higher grade levels and in the professional world.