Students learn to thrive by not being bystanders

According to a recent study, a kid's academic success may depend on whether he believes in his own ability to grow smarter.
Researchers divided poorly performing middle-school students into two groups and arranged for kids in both groups to receive intense, remedial instruction. Those in the second group, however, were also taught to understand intelligence as an expanding opportunity, rather than an unchangeable destiny. After several months, testing revealed slightly improved scores in the first group, but soaring success among students in the second.
Educators probably weren't surprised to hear that student confidence predicts scholastic achievement. In fact, the application for honors classes at our high school rates each applicant according to whether he or she "expects to succeed as a learner." Tackling the rigors of an advanced curriculum requires kids to be active, enthusiastic learners who are convinced that their intelligence can grow and that their capacity for learning is enhanced even as they learn.