School can pose various challenges for children, with some excelling effortlessly while others struggle. Educators, like Amir Saei, emphasize the importance of disciplined support and cultivating intelligence at home. Resilience is crucial, as mistakes serve as valuable lessons. Teachers advocate for continuous learning outside the classroom, cautioning against passive technology use. Celebrating both effort and achievements fosters motivation, while balancing relaxation with study enhances overall growth and learning.
Overcoming Challenges in School
School can often present challenges for many children. While some find it easy to grasp concepts and achieve good grades without much effort, others may struggle to focus and retain information. In an effort to bridge this educational gap, teachers have developed strategies that can help all students, including those who face difficulties, to excel academically. Amir Saei, a mathematics instructor in England, believes that with “disciplined” and “targeted” support, any child can reach their full potential. He emphasizes that cultivating a child’s intelligence at home can significantly enhance their academic performance. But what strategies can help unlock this potential? Educators are ready to share their best insights.
Building Resilience in Students
Teachers overwhelmingly agree that resilience is key to student success. The first piece of advice is to teach children not to dwell on their mistakes. “Mistakes are valuable lessons,” asserts Saei. Psychologist Carol Dweck has explored the concepts of growth and fixed mindsets, noting that children who adopt a growth mindset are better equipped to learn from their errors, leading to improved performance on exams. Saei emphasizes the importance of reviewing past assessments, advocating that exam preparation should focus on deep understanding rather than mere memorization. By addressing learning gaps directly, children can transform their challenges into distant memories.
For educators to effectively nurture resilient students, Freddy Kreutzer, an education consultant, suggests identifying the specific barriers a child faces. Parents should be mindful of distractions such as video games and excessive screen time, which may hinder attention. While video games can be beneficial for some, they can overwhelm others, detracting from their ability to focus. Encouraging children to research their misunderstandings fosters independence and enhances their learning experience, according to Dr. Touroni. By promoting self-discovery, educators can engage students more deeply in the learning process.
Extending Learning Beyond the Classroom
To help children develop into little geniuses, teachers advocate for continuous learning outside the classroom. There are numerous ways to achieve this. Firstly, educators discourage “passive consumption” of technology—such as mindlessly watching screens without educational value. Alastair Chirnside, head of Dr. Edwards School, points out that screens can be distracting, making it hard for children to regain focus afterward. He suggests studying without screens or using designated devices for homework to minimize distractions. Additionally, Saei encourages cultural outings—visiting museums, watching films, or exploring city attractions—as a way to broaden children’s horizons and ignite their curiosity.
Moreover, Kreutzer highlights the importance of celebrating both effort and achievements. Recognizing hard work and success fosters intrinsic motivation in children. Chirnside adds that while effort is essential, it is equally important to allow children time to unwind. Moments of relaxation are crucial; children should have opportunities to engage in non-mental activities and simply enjoy their childhood. Balancing effort with rest can lead to more effective learning and growth.