Why learners struggling at school is a good thing, and what we can do about it at home.
By Dr. Tyler S. Thigpen
“Prepare the child for the road, not the road for the child.” -Unknown
“Productive struggle” is the process of effortful learning that develops grit and creativity. At Forest, we treasure productive struggle in our Studios. We design daily encounters for our learners that intentionally put them in situations where they have to make significant yet right-sized efforts to learn new things and tackle challenging projects.
Is it hard? Yes. Is it too hard? No. It’s actually what learning is all about.
We know from research—and have found in our experience—that if Guides, parents, and caregivers are aligned about expectations for learners, then their development accelerates. Here are some practical things you can do at home that complement what’s going on at school and ultimately cultivate independent, self-directed learners.
How might we support our children through productive struggle?
For your own reflection and family discussion…
Do you agree or disagree with the techniques listed above?
How do you feel when your hero is having a hard time?
What are techniques you use when your hero lacks motivation or is having a hard time getting started?
What are techniques you use when your hero is really struggling at the bottom of the learning pit? What are techniques you avoid?
What are key beliefs one must have to be excited about productive struggle for children? What negative beliefs get in the way of this?