Believe in the power of perspective

What does 'smart' even mean? 

Smart because of high academic test scores? Smart in emotional intelligence? Smart in basketball tactics on court? Smart in mathematics problems during maths class?

Clever, bright, and intelligent. There are many ways to be 'smart'. One of the best ways to be smart is by gaining perspective and seeing different worldviews. This can be seen through the research done my Amanda Ripley through the eyes of the students that went abroad for a year on exchange. These students were able to see a different perspective at what schools' were emphasizing on.

Celebrate success!

Some students are all-rounders. Some are gifted in a particular area or subject. I believe there are strategies and school systems that allow for a greater number of students to be successful. This can only be provided if teachers are trained well and students find the intrinsic motivation to study and work hard (Estyn). Student achievement and personal expectations will be increased if teachers present their lessons with engagement and interest (Estyn). 

According to Amanda Ripley, students need to learn to show resilience (Ask the Kids, 2012). This is an important skill to have for our rapid-paced world. The determination to persevere and persist is vital in order to help students succeed when failure comes their way. 

What is working well for students who are considered smart?

1. "School is hard!"

Amanda Ripley's research and work with students who went abroad for schooling, witnesses how they believed school as being harder than the U.S. program in countries like Poland, South Korea, and Finland. The rigor provided by school systems allows students to take their work seriously. How well these students do in school determines their future (The Tyee, 2014). This automatically gives students a focus to want to perform well. Education is taken seriously and students care about their results and outcomes. Students that are considered smart are challenged in school and forced to think outside the box, respond to high-level questions, and solve intricate problems. They are encouraged to be creative. On the other hand, some schools focus so much on teaching to the test that the value of education is lost. Students are barely understanding the purpose for an education and this creates tension in the system as students don't see the need to attend school.

2. "Sports is just a hobby."

Ripley continues to discuss how sports in America is seen as a must in school and students participate in it with more determination than their academics. In other school systems, it is seen as a hobby that can be practiced, but academic work is valued more and focused on. Students that are considered smart are working hard in school and using sports and exercise as a way to relax and enjoy themselves rather than as a job or their ultimate goal to succeed in. On the other hand, some students talent is excelling in sports. Why can't they pursue that? Students need to be encouraged to participate in a variety of opportunities so that if disappointment hits they are able to have a back up plan.

3. "Kids believe that there is something in it for them"

Students believe in the power of perspective. Students believe their outcome in school will catapult them into their future jobs. School is not a joke. It is an important part of growing up and determining whether they can pursue their dreams and attend higher educational institutions. Students who can "delay gratification" considerably more than the average person and are able to show self-control in life are more likely to be considered smart (Anneli Rufus, 2011). Executive functioning plays an important role in being smart (Anneli Rufus, 2011). These factors show that kids who believe in their abilities and overall potential are more likely to perform well in school. Kids need positive role models to encourage them to believe in themselves. Believing that school will help them get to where they hope to be will encourage them to stick with it and put forth their best effort. On the other hand, standards and state objectives make it difficult for teachers to not teach-to-the-test. School is seen as a joke, because some teachers clearly dislike their job and do not put in the work needed to effectively help their students.

What do I think?

My last day teaching in New York. A letter from one of my student's
saying: ".... I'm going to be sad and upset because my favorite
teacher Miss Leonard is leaving..... my classmates and I
are going to miss Miss Leonard...."

I think that teachers need to realize the impact they can make on a student's success and belief in themselves. Teachers need to realize that school should be a place that is challenging, fun, and inspiring. So, overall, I do agree with Ripley. Students need to step outside their 'normal' and experience different cultures and systems in order to grow. The smartest kids in the world are being taught by excellent teachers. These students believe in school. They have learned to gain confidence in themselves to excel and perform well. They believe in the power of different perspectives. I believe we need to value the role of the teacher more in schools. Teachers need to be trained well in order to help support students and provide them with the quality education they deserve. Teachers should be partnering with parents to support creative thinkers who can lead the next generation. Teachers should be instilling hope and providing critical feedback to help students find their true calling and dream. All of this can't be done without partnership between schools, parents, and teachers.

Resources:

Picture: Janine Boldrin

Amanda Ripley (Ask the Kids)

Amanda Ripley (The Smartest Kids in the World)

Smarter Kids and how they got that way: Anneli Rufus 

The Tyee
Teacher Training Benefit Skills : Estyn