This is a bit misleading, however, because these weren't the smart kids, they're the "smart" kids. Which is to say, they were no more statistically likely to be smart or dumb that any other student. And fuck if this doesn't matter. When you're in school, you're hyper aware of your classmates: who is the best looking; who is the smartest; the dumbest; the smelly kid; the popular; etc. Kids know when they're smart, and they know when they're not. Actually, I think there's a lot of value in knowing one's place. A way more interesting thing would be to intentionally pick on average students and praise them for being smart (as lots of parents are wont to do; ask any teacher about the ordinary student in class whose parents are convinced that their child is the next Einstein). That is more dangerous, because it sends a kind of fucked up message to kids, insofar as they're being told something about themselves that they probably know isn't true. It's gotta be confusing. But in the end, I don't think I could stop telling my niece that she's the cutest and smartest baby (obviously, she is, so what's the big deal anyway?!) in the history of the world even if I tried.The “smart” kids took the cop-out.
This, I agree with. I certainly understand your point. However, I have seen a whole lot of kids known as "the smart kid" in their high school become "just another kid" in college. Often in my experience, these kids suffer from the "big fish, small pond" syndrome and then have trouble recognizing that in college they are in a much bigger pond. I would definitely like to see a long-term study like this done, especially as parents around the world are dead-set on having superkids, who play music, speak more than three languages, are creative, dedicated, intelligent and socially well-adjusted. I would also like to see some of these kids learn what it's like to get a fat lip, or to come up against others who are vastly more capable, accomplished or skilled than themselves more often. A big part of figuring out who one is as a person is done by measuring oneself against others one interacts with. Humbling experiences can be excellent to impart perspective, if they are made-sense of in constructive ways.This is a bit misleading, however, because these weren't the smart kids, they're the "smart" kids. Which is to say, they were no more statistically likely to be smart or dumb that any other student. And fuck if this doesn't matter. When you're in school, you're hyper aware of your classmates: who is the best looking; who is the smartest; the dumbest; the smelly kid; the popular; etc.
Kids know when they're smart, and they know when they're not. Actually, I think there's a lot of value in knowing one's place.
A way more interesting thing would be to intentionally pick on average students and praise them for being smart (as lots of parents are wont to do; ask any teacher about the ordinary student in class whose parents are convinced that their child is the next Einstein). That is more dangerous, because it sends a kind of fucked up message to kids, insofar as they're being told something about themselves that they probably know isn't true. It's gotta be confusing.
In all facets of life, a little humility can go a long way.I have seen a whole lot of kids known as "the smart kid" in their high school become "just another kid" in college. Often in my experience, these kids suffer from the "big fish, small pond" syndrome and then have trouble recognizing that in college they are in a much bigger pond.
I just came across this article today. I wish I had read it earlier. Our daughter is almost two years old, and this has helped me clarify something that I have begun to struggle with. I want her to understand that her effort, not her ability, is the most important factor in everything she does.
I really think that this is an important concept to impart and one that I struggled with as a teacher, especially as it often conflicted with the goals set by my employer and the expectations of the students. I am not a parent and have only limited experience in teaching very young kids, so I'm very curious how one might go around imparting the idea that effort is important. Any ideas on how you might proceed with your daughter?
Not really at this age of 21 mo. Every parent thinks that there kid is smart, and I am no exception. :) It's easy to tell her that she is smart, and I have done it, but I'm not sure at this stage how I can meaningfully praise the idea of perseverance. It's definitely something that I am going to be working on.Any ideas on how you might proceed with your daughter?
Yes, this is what I was wondering. I don't even remember when I was really able to understand the value of hard work, or the benefit of long processes in general. You'll probably do a decent job :)It's easy to tell her that she is smart, and I have done it, but I'm not sure at this stage how I can meaningfully praise the idea of perseverance.