I want to re-frame
failure. Without knowing it, we as a society are stuck in an antiquated
cognitive theory environment on learning that focuses on outcomes, like grades,
SAT scores, and prestigious colleges. Ironically this focus on outcomes is
actually making our kids less motivated to learn. Research by Dr. Carol Dweck
is actually demonstrating our student's intelligence can increase merely by
focusing kid's attention on the belief that intelligence can increase if we
focus of the process. When students struggle in their learning, we shouldn't
tell them the answer, or blame outside factors, or say well you are just bad at
that subject. Instead we should show enthusiasm for the difficulty. This embracing
of challenges is referred to as a "growth mindset." True learning cannot
happen without errors or failure. So when a student struggles, this is an
opportunity to strategize.
The act of strategizing is the learning.
Image Source: http://webcobblers.com/services/consulting
Your brain is like a muscle, and like a muscle when you
stretch it or flex it with weight, the muscle tears a little bit and new cells
are built in new empty space. The brain actually gets bigger, heavier, and more
efficient when it is exercised with difficult thinking tasks.
So the next time your children/students get frustrated,
you need to get enthusiastic, and let them know this the opportunity for some
deeper learning, brain growth and strengthening. Don't tell or show them how to
do it, say let's brainstorm some strategies to get over this hump? What
resources are available? What are your options?
Image Source: http://iconicontent.com/blog/money-enthusiasm
Eventually, strategizing will become their default
setting, and cut you as the adult out of the process. That sounds scary, but
ultimately that is our job as parents and teachers to get our children/students
to be independent, problem solvers.
Resources for deeper learning...
Punished by Rewards
by Alfie Kohn
Mindset: The
Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck
Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel Pink
