Leading Expert Advice
“If we demand results, then what do we do about people who give it their all but, for various reasons – many of them outside their control – don’t end up reading their goal? […] When parents make it clear that learning (and excitement about learning) is more important than the quality of the product, kids are more inclined to stretch themselves, to tackle something interesting and new, even if they’re not sure how well they’ll end up doing” (Kohn, p. 89, 80).
Gospel Principle
“Academic assignments, test scores, and a cumulative GPA do not produce a final and polished product. Rather, students have only started to put in place a foundation of learning upon which they can build forever. Much of the data and knowledge obtained through a specific major or program of study may rapidly become outdated and obsolete. The particular topics investigated and learned are not nearly as important as what has been learned about learning. As we press forward in life—spiritually, interpersonally, and professionally—no book of answers is readily available with guidelines and solutions to the great challenges of life. All we have is our capacity to learn and our love of and for learning” (Bednar, Learning to Love Learning).
Connecting the Dots
The emphasis of today’s world is on achievement. “How did you do?” is a much more common dinner table inquiry than “What did you learn?” We are more focused on status or a grade than on what information was retained and internalized. In the end, what we’ve truly learned is what matters most. We as parents must show our children in word, action, and attitude that learning is more important than grades. Children who are focused on grades tend to be underachievers and hoop-jumpers. They want to do the least work possible for the desired result. Our goal, of course, is to raise children who are problem-solvers and hard-workers; who are creative and ready to take on a challenge. To accomplish this, we have to show our children that work is desirable and rewarding. We, and they, need to love learning. It is an attitude that will produce dividends over a lifetime.
“If we demand results, then what do we do about people who give it their all but, for various reasons – many of them outside their control – don’t end up reading their goal? […] When parents make it clear that learning (and excitement about learning) is more important than the quality of the product, kids are more inclined to stretch themselves, to tackle something interesting and new, even if they’re not sure how well they’ll end up doing” (Kohn, p. 89, 80).
Gospel Principle
“Academic assignments, test scores, and a cumulative GPA do not produce a final and polished product. Rather, students have only started to put in place a foundation of learning upon which they can build forever. Much of the data and knowledge obtained through a specific major or program of study may rapidly become outdated and obsolete. The particular topics investigated and learned are not nearly as important as what has been learned about learning. As we press forward in life—spiritually, interpersonally, and professionally—no book of answers is readily available with guidelines and solutions to the great challenges of life. All we have is our capacity to learn and our love of and for learning” (Bednar, Learning to Love Learning).
Connecting the Dots
The emphasis of today’s world is on achievement. “How did you do?” is a much more common dinner table inquiry than “What did you learn?” We are more focused on status or a grade than on what information was retained and internalized. In the end, what we’ve truly learned is what matters most. We as parents must show our children in word, action, and attitude that learning is more important than grades. Children who are focused on grades tend to be underachievers and hoop-jumpers. They want to do the least work possible for the desired result. Our goal, of course, is to raise children who are problem-solvers and hard-workers; who are creative and ready to take on a challenge. To accomplish this, we have to show our children that work is desirable and rewarding. We, and they, need to love learning. It is an attitude that will produce dividends over a lifetime.