EDUCATION

You may know that I am a proponent of the Khan Academy method of learning.  If you don't know what that is, download the free app on your iPad or computer.

In any case, I read an article by Salman Khan the other day that I thought was very insightful.  It could be of use to those raising or working with youngsters.  Here is the gist.

The modern thinking is that the brain is similar to a muscle.  The more you work it - the stronger it gets. That's why, lately, we see a lot about Luminosity and the similar methods of brain exercise.

Khan rightly points out that what this should lead us to do is implant in formative minds the mindset that values the struggle.  It is almost pointless to praise a child for doing something well that he does well naturally.  Save your praise for the times the little one really had to struggle to get the proper result.  No pain- no gain!!!

What you would hope to develop is a person who is not afraid to try difficult things.  If a child gets all the praise he needs for doing what is easy, he will choose to do what is easy.  This is the path to mediocrity.

Very naturally talented people can go through their whole life without attempting a task in which they might fail.  You will not accomplish great things like this.  Success goes to those that work hard.  Believe it!!  Instill it!!

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