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Too Many Kids Quit Science Because They Don't Think They're Smart
An anonymous reader writes: Carol Dweck, a psychology professor at Stanford, has done years of study on how students' attitudes affect their academic achievements. Her work began at the height of the "self-esteem movement," when parents were told to praise their kids' brainpower at every turn. But Professor Dweck found that praise for intelligence or talent — relatively immutable characteristics — only turned kids off of trying subjects they perceived as difficult, like math and science. Praising effort, perseverance, and problem-solving strategies works better. She also says, "There is such a thing as too much praise, we believe." Instead, she suggests engaging with kids about the process itself, showing interest and encouragement when they talk about how they did something.
There. I said what we're all thinking.
"Too many grown-ups go into politics because they think they are smart"
This issue is a bit more complicated than you think.
Wow! What an awesome comment. You're so smart!
Someone told me that Golden Retrievers are a particularly smart breed of dog.
I replied "You shouldn't say that: you should just say that they try hard"
Wow! What an awesome comment. You're so smart!
I'm also quite handsome!