Learning by falling forward
As we approach spring, (yes, it is spring) we realize that our children’s annual educational journey is coming to an end. For some this is a more formal process marked via the graduation ceremony.
All too often graduating students who are not planning on attending a college or university think their learning is coming to an end. Learning, however, is lifelong.
Recently, Horizon’s school leaders attended a leadership symposium where they were learning together. Our leaders built relationships, and strived to create a collective efficacy in order to leverage changes in their school practices in the hopes of enhancing student success.
Many of our leaders will return to their schools and share their learning with their colleagues. They will revise teacher professional learning goals and other school improvement strategies. While they will model to their staff they they are lifelong learners, it is vital that they also model that they are learners for their students. Adults need to show children that we do not have all the answers, that we, too, are learning and willing to take risks, to innovate, and continually strive to improve.
More importantly, we need to show children that we fail. One’s willingness to fail is vital for success. All too often people don’t try, for fear of failure. Without trying, one cannot grow or improve. Failing, especially failure you can learn from and laugh about, fosters a growth mindset.
As learners, I encourage you to come home each day and talk to your child about their learning. Instead of asking what he or she did, ask them what they failed at. Model that failure is a normal part of life and celebrate it, for it is essential for learning. Redefine your child’s perspective about failure, for true failure is the act of not trying.
Not only will the acceptance and normalization of failure reduce your child’s anxiety, but your children will be happier and more successful. They will take risk, learn and grow.
We often say, “Knowledge is power,” but “learning through failure is your superpower.”
Wilco Tymensen is the superintendent of Horizon School Division No. 67