11h School

Personal
Development
Quarter 1 – Module 1
Knowing Oneself

Most Essential Learning Competency:

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Explain that knowing oneself can make a person accept

his/her strengths and limitations and dealing with others
better;
2. Share his/her unique characteristics, habits, and
experiences

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Personal Development - Grade 11

I. Introduction:
As we immerse ourselves in ‘Knowing Ourselves” in the process, it is necessary to know some
similar aspects and topic that pertains in the study of self. This may include individuals in seeing our
“self” as a growing person inside the society, and this may cross-sectionally tackle the philosophical,
bio-psycho-social aspect of the self, including the Self-Concept and its relation to the social norms or
our society.
The module shall discuss namely the following:
• Lesson 1 – Limitations and Strengths of the Individual; and how the uniqueness of the individual can
be accepted by others.
• Lesson 2 – Understanding unique characteristics, habits and experiences of individual as a part of
development and knowledge of
the self.

II. Pre-Test
Instruction: Write the word TRUE if the statement is correct; otherwise, write FALSE.

1. _________ Our self-knowledge cannot be influenced by our past.

2. _________ In determining our ideal self in the society, we must see our behavior on an
everyday basis.

3. _________ Being private is irrelevant if we wish to continue in developing our actual self.

4. _________ Through studies conducted in history, our parents have no important role in
child-rearing practices.

5. _________ In bio-psychology and cultural psychology, the crossing path of hereditary and
environment are relevant and shaping the self-concept.

6. _________ Allowing ourselves to be molded by our surroundings and be influenced by others

is a decisional aspect in reshaping our ideal self.

7. _________ We cannot change our behavior, hence our destiny when it comes to familial or
hereditary inclination.

8. _________ In determining our self-concept, three categories of the self must be

considered.

9. _________ In the early stages of development among children, oftentimes, they are
independent. Hence, they do not let their behavior be influenced; neither do they
need approval from their parents.

10. ________ The self has no privacy, as often depicted in social media; we allow ourselves to
be seen as who we are and what we do.

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 Lesson
Self-Development:
1 Knowing Oneself
Many of our millennials jump to conclusions about themselves knowing more what, know and
believe they do about themselves and technology has improved this definition through apps and
media, especially how they used these platforms in defining themselves (Social Media and Doubt;
Jacobson, 2020). Their social media profiles give a new meaning to who they are as a person living
in this digital age. However, this does not answer the most and perhaps the fundamental question,
“Do you know yourself?” Often, this question delves into the fundamental entity of ourselves, the
basic question of understanding ourselves, not just through our expressions in social platforms and
the like but, deals in more “How much do we know about our self?” in the process.

What’s In

Do you still remember your scores when you took your NCAE in junior high school?
Have you thought about what you will do after your Senior High School or beyond your
college years? A great way to refresh dreams and reminisce about your future endeavors is
to remember your “ideal self.” Psychologists often call this "future self." Below is a simple
drill to refresh your “current self.”

V. III. Learning Activities

ACTIVITY 1: My Self Through the Years

Instruction: Paste a picture of you when you were in elementary, in high school, and now
that you are in senior high school. Below the picture, list down your salient characteristics that you
remember.

My Elementary Self My High School Self My Senior High School

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ANALYSIS
After having examined your “self” in its different stages, fill out the table below:
Similarities in all stages of Differences in my “self” Possible reasons for the
my “self” across the three stages of differences in me
my life

Follow up Questions:
1. How do you compare yourself now from before? How do you fair to your improvements?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

2. Do you think you can achieve more “now”, than that you were small? Cite some
examples.
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

3. There are many instances where in you can choose who you can be as of now. Why this current
“self”? Explain.
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

What’s New

Johari’s Window
One great way of assessing the self and know how much the individual knows the self is by
asking the people around them. Though this may be awkward, particularly when asking someone
straightforwardly. Know that even your friends can be a great source of information, whether it be
positive or negative about the self. To avoid being awkward and extract the best possible self-
assessment without compromising the individual, psychologists Joseph Luft (1916-2014) and
Harrington Ingham (1916-1995) devised a technique to help people better understand themselves as
well as their relationship with others. As used frequently in groups (group dynamics), this activity
helps understand people to develop teamwork. Below are some post-activities to challenge yourself
on how much you know about your “self.”

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 ACTIVITY 2: Johari’s Window

Instruction:
1. Below is the table devised by Joseph and Harrington in assessing the self. Write your name
(optional) on the first box indicated.
2. On the first box (no.1) write everything that you know about yourself; and everything that people
around you/others often think or feel everything about you.
3. On the second box (no. 2) Write everything about yourself that is only known to you and to you
alone.
4. On the third box (no. 3) You may need the help of others to fill out this space for you. At the
beginning of this activity, your name is optional if you want to write it or not. This box explains
people/others know something about you, but you yourself need to check or to re-affirm.
5. On the last box (no. 4), you may leave it blank.

Johari’s Window
Name: Known to Self Not Known to Self
1 3
.1.(Arena) . 3.(Blind Spot)
Known to others

2 4
. 2.(Façade) . 4.(Unknown)
Not known to
Others

Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johari window

What is It

The Self, in contemporary literature and even common sense, is commonly defined by the
following characteristics: “separate, self-contained, independent, consistent, unitary, and private”
(Stevens, 1996). When we talk about the self, being “separate,” it means it is distinct, different and
unique from others. It has its own uniqueness that defines him/her from others. It has an identity of its
own, even twins, may it be fraternal, is very much distinct from the other. When we are talking about
“self-contained,” we describe its existence as having its own independence. It may exist with or without
others; it is self-containing of its own thoughts, characteristics and volition. For example, we make our
profile pictures in social media, carefully choosing a picture that expresses more of our thoughts, that
tells us of what we are, that tells us what we are in real life. Although, in these given times, it is easy to
create another “self” or deceive someone using a make-up “self”.
Nevertheless, although it is relatively easy to make another “self” in this age of social media
and advance technology, the “self” is very much consistent and persisting. Every “self” has its own
personality that is enduring, that lasts during late adolescence. Its uniqueness and its consistency allow
it to be studied, described and even measured (also means that a particular self’s traits, characteristics,
tendencies and potentialities) are very evident and distinguishable from other “selves.” The Self is
unitary in that it is the center of all experiences and thoughts that run a particular person. It is the topmost
executive in an individual where all processes, emotions, and thoughts converged. Lastly, the self is
private. A person may sort out information, feelings and emotions, and thought processes within the
self. The whole process is never accessible to anyone but the self. This suggests that the self is
isolated from the external world. It lives within its own world.

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 Having in its own world means, you can create or
nurture what you can be (ideal self) or maintain/improve
your current self (actual self). The ideal self pertains to the
image or aspirations of what you want to become. This
may be similar in hoping characteristics that you do not
possess as of the moment, but may one day be part of who
you are, just like what Filipinos tend to watch in various
talent shows. This may be the ability to have a beautiful
voice; or have different achievements like the
characteristics of your idols or other international figures
(Michael Jordan, Sarah Geronimo etc.) While the actual
self as the term implies “actual”, is your present self that
you see on the daily basis. It is the self that is constantly
keeping in touch in your everyday experiences. It has the potential to improve or develop as deemed
by every individual. This may also pertain to the gifts that you possess that is innate in you when you
were born.

Combining these two categories of the self, it

established the distinction of the Self-Concept. This is a
collection of beliefs about one’s basic nature, unique
qualities, and typical behavior. Although we may have so
many dimensions in which we describe ourselves such as
“I’m grateful” or “I’m friendly”, we have separate
concepts of our physical, social, emotional and
intellectual selves; yet we are still referring to one single
entity that is unique and very distinct from others (Don
Hamachek, 1992). Our various self-concepts are
characterized by relatively distinct thoughts and feelings.
That is, we may have considerable information about our
social skills and feel quite confident with regard to them
but have limited information about our physical skills and
feel less confident about this aspect of our self. When a
particular self-concept is operating, its attendant thoughts
and feelings will strongly influence the way we process
self-relevant information (Fiske & Taylor, 1991).

There are several factors that shape self-concept. Among them are your own observations, feedback
from others and cultural values.

Your Own Observations

In the process of self-introspection, that may help you re-evaluate
your motivations and, in real-time, observing what you do at this moment
is one of the significant information about your interest or dislike. During
early childhood, we start observing our behavior and drawing conclusions
about ourselves. We are aware of what we do; we dislike; can and cannot
do. Although, when we are still children, our observations are not entirely
correct or sometimes subject to change and entirely up to us, to retain or
to improve. We even compare our observed selves from others. In social
comparison theory, people need to compare themselves with others in
order to gain insight into their own behavior (Festinger, 1954; Goethals
& Darley, 1977; Wood, 1989). The potential impact of such social
comparison was dramatically demonstrated in an interesting study (Morse
& Gergen, 1970).

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 Feedback from Others
Positive and negative criticisms also create
an impact on self-concept. People talk about us or
how they discriminate us give an important aspect
in shaping the self-concept. The amount of
criticism, feedback we sometimes freely give, helps
shape the current self-concept of what we choose to
be or not. As we grow old, the number of significant
and non-significant people in our lives also grows.
Everyone contributes in reshaping the self-concept.
Even our ability to accomplish something or
destroy our selves comes from painful remarks or
constructive criticism of others. In child-rearing,
especially the parents, has a unique and essential
role in reinforcing and shaping the self-concept. As
children, we receive direct feedback from
them.Their constant approval and disapproval set
guidelines for what should be or not, shaping and
inputting the values and characteristics of the
children and, later, becoming what they are when
they grow. The saying “Kung ano ang puno ay
siyang bunga”, is a testament output family values
instilled in childhood rearing practices. Aside from
children comparing their actions from others, they also compare themselves to their parents. That is
why sometimes, even when our parents are gone, we still have their characteristics and values; we
unconsciously accept this as our self-concept, along with their approvals and disapprovals. Most of us,
especially when we are young, take this sort of feedback to heart. Thus, it is no surprise that studies
find an association between parents’ views of a child and the child’s self-concept (Wylie, 1979). There
is even more substantial evidence for a relationship between

Cultural Values/ Cultural Guidelines

Self-concept is also indirectly influenced by cultural values. In the study of Cultural Psychology,
in this age of technology and social media, we accept our differences, especially on how we accept the
culture and beliefs of others. Japanese society does not tolerate corruption; the Philippines has always
been influenced or has always had that familial clinging of thinking and protectiveness. The Chinese
have always thought to have a strong business minded stand in their points of view. The society in
which we are raised defines what is “good” and “bad” in personality and behavior. American culture
tends to put a premium on individuality, competitive success, strength and skills. These cultural values
influence how we interpret our behavior. In the Philippines, our cultural values were shaped by
historical colonization, which is evident in our present society, particularly our strong family ties.
Another is cultural hospitality that is deemed acceptable as our nature. Even the dismal corruption that
has been the perennial problem of the country also shaped the tolerance of Filipinos as a way of
answering societal problems.

Having Self-knowledge stems from the actual – self. It derives from our social interactions of
society that provide insight into how others react to us. It is the same as gaining feedback from others.
The reaction of other people is an essential aspect of gaining actual-self or our self-image. Even our
social roles are adjusted, on how we view ourselves today, and how ideally (ideal self) what we would
like to be in the future. There is a negotiation that exists between the two selves, which is complicated
by numerous exchanges between the ideal self and actual self. These exchanges are exemplified in these
social roles, and they are adjusted continuously and re-adjusted.

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 What’s More

Activity 3: A “ME” Tree

Source: Howe & Howe. 1975 Personalizing Education Values Clarification and Beyond. (p. 97-98)

Instruction:
1. On the picture provided, write/ draw symbols/ or paste pictures of all of your strengths and
talents/abilities- one strength or talent per root.

2. On the branches/ write/ draw symbols or paste pictures of all your

accomplishments and successes- one per branch.

3. Some roots and branches should be left empty so that new elements can be added as they
happen in the future.

4. Lastly, write your name on the trunk of the “Me Tree”.

Activity 4: Enrichment
Instruction: Answer the following in a separate sheet of paper.
1. How are you going to use the “Me” tree in this time of Covid-19 Pandemic?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
2. What are your self-realizations?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

3.How does your self-realization affect your family? You may ask them in answering
this?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________

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 Activity 5: My Reflection through my Experiences

Instruction: Share your experience (s) on the following statement. Write your answers
in a separate sheet of paper
1. People need to compare themselves with others in order to gain insights of
their own behavior.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
2. “Kung ano ang puno ay siyang bunga.”
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
3. Corruption is also shaped by our tolerance or our approach to answering
societal problems.”
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

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 What I Can Do

Activity 6: Do You Truly Know Yourself?

Instruction: How much do you know of yourself? How does your “self” fair from others in
responding in our changing times, especially in adjusting to our “new normal”? The exercise
below is a simple activity in affirming what our “self” in relation to our reaction and feedback
in our environment.

Questions Answers

1. How would you characterize

yourself?

2. What makes you stand out from

the rest? What makes yourself
special?

3. How has yourself transformed

itself?

4. How is your self connected to

your body?

Source: Chaffee, John. 2015. The Philosopher’s Way; Thinking Critically about Profound Ideas. 5th Ed. Boston: Pearson
Schlenker, Barry R. 1985. The Self and Social Life. New York: McGraw-Hill

IV. Assessment
Instruction: Multiple Choice. Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a
separate sheet of paper.
1. Which of the following does not belong to the group?
A. Joseph Luft
B. Blind Spot
C. Known to others
D. Social Roles

2. During development in the early years, our constant approval to our immediate relations is a crucial
aspect in forming our actual and ideal self. The previous statement is ____.
A. False, because we sometimes create our own destiny and sometimes does not need approval from
others.
B. Sometimes true, for every positive and negative criticism is a development of our “true” self.
C. True, our family, especially our parents are the best observers of our character and behavior.
D. Sometimes false, neither our immediate familial ties nor the environment knows what is best for our
ideal self and eventually our actual self.

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3. Johari’s Window was formerly created for the purpose ___.
A. For the selection of the soldier in the field.
B. A technique use in teambuilding and group analysis
C. Used for personality disorders in company and hierarchy groups
D. A simple technique so to understand others reason for their feedback and comments.

4. When we are talking about “Self-contained” we mean that ___.

A. Our own description of how we hide our true self to the people.
B. Having our own privacy, contained in our own house or space.
C. This pertains to the image or aspiration of what you want to become.
D. It is the existence of the individual, having its own independent character and behavior.

5. The “actual-self” is synonymous with what psychological word?

A. the future self
B. the authentic self
C. the present self
D. the false self

6. The Self-Concept is the collection of __________________________.

A. hardships and sufferings that we experience inside of society
B. our compelling comparison of ourselves to the future and present self.
C. our beliefs, unique qualities and typical behavior that manifest to that unique individual.
D. our feelings inside and constant re-assessment of these emotions as we respond to our environment.

7. There are two categories of the self that makes up the Self-Concept. These are _________.
A. the factual and false Self
B. the authentic and fake Self
C. the present and future Self
D. behavior and character

8. Having criticism in our lives is a necessity in shaping our self-concept. Which of the following is
contrary to this statement?
A. Allan tells those who criticize his work, to leave him, because they are not the ones who actually
had a hard time doing his work.
B. Rebecca, constantly tells his/her students to be open-minded and open for new developments for
people who show approval or disapproval of their work.
C. Milo is usually upset when someone criticizes his TVE project, but after soiling, he gets back to his
work and show more determination and enthusiasm for his homework.
D. Perola, always tell herself, that both constructive and disapproval statements are key ingredients in
becoming a better person.

9. Which of the following does not belong to the group?

A. Feedback
B. Social Comparison Theory
C. Cultural Values
D. Self-Concept

10. Which of the following statement does not belong to the group?
A. Combining both self-introspection and comparison theory helps to develop your ideal self.
B. Children’s perception about themselves, depends also strongly about their parents’ attitude towards
them.
C. According to the study done in the field of multicultural psychology, cultural values has nothing to
with our development when we reach maturity. It entirely rests on how we accept and not accept the
social norms
D. Both positive and negative criticisms have impact on self-concept

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 Additional Activities

Portfolio Output 1: “My Diary”

Instruction: During these pandemic times, I have actively volunteered in some non-profit
organizations to help people, specifically in checking their mental health by providing tele-
counseling while they are experiencing quarantine. As many of my clients encounter new
“experiences." Most of them do experience changes in their views, beliefs, including the stress
that piles up in their head. In our non-profit organization, we tend to provide our digital
consumers ways to cope with this “new normal” in our society. One of which is keeping a
simple diary. During the time of Sigmund Freud (1944), keeping a Diary is one of the oldest
methods for collecting data about the individual's personality. In my field as a practicing
psychologist, I sometimes suggest that my students have a personal diary to record their
behavior, thinking, and experiences, no matter how absurd their experiences are. In this way, I
let my students be aware of their surroundings, their decisions and themselves. As our lesson
implies, knowing the “self” starts when we exercise the awareness of our identity. In this
portfolio, you are tasked to have your own simple personal diary. Below is a format that you
should follow to start the daily writing/recording of your diary. Your front cover may be a
reflection of what you want to be. In doing so, you are free to create your own front cover. You
may use any available writing material for this. This personal diary is to be sustained until the
end of the subject course. Also, this must be submitted on the last day of the semester as one
of the prerequisites in passing the subject.

Your own
Background
design

The Date (e.g.

Your Full Name January 1, 2020)

This space if for writing

your experiences

Your Own Border

Design

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 VII. Key to Answers

Pre-test Post-test
1.false 1.a
2.true 2.c
3.false 3.b
4.false 4.d
5.true 5.c
6.true 6.d
7.false 7.c
8.true 8.c
9.false 9.b
10.false 10.c

V. References
_________________________________Journals and Books_________________________________

Chaffee, John. (2015). The Philosopher’s Way; Thinking Criticially about Profund Ideas. 5th Ed.
Boston

Festinger, Leon. (1954). A Theory of Social Comparison Processes. Human Relations, 7, p. 117-140.
Ed.) Mcgraw-Hill Book Company

Gormly, Anne V. 1986. Understanding Psychology 4th Edition. New York

Hamachek, Don E. 1978. Encounters with the Self. West Publishing Company

Stevens, Richard 1996. Understanding the Self. Sage Publications. Open University

Weitin & Lloyd. 1994. Psychology Applied to Modern Life. University of Kansan

_____________________________________Website______________________________________

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/001872675400700202

https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1991-97723-000

https://www.selfawareness.org.uk/news/understanding-the-johari-window-model

https://childmind.org/article/social-media-and-self-doubt/

en.wikipedia.org/wikiJohari_window

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