Student Personal Power

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:



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.