Have you ever cheered on a friend during a race, only to see them slow down? It turns out that praising someone for their natural abilities, like saying ‘You’re so smart!’ can actually have a negative impact on their motivation and achievement in math. A recent study suggests that when children are praised for their innate talents or personal traits in relation to math, it may dampen their enthusiasm for the subject and hinder their success over time. Just like cheering on a runner too soon can make them lose focus, premature praise may take away the drive to improve and learn. So instead of solely focusing on innate abilities, it’s important to foster a growth mindset in children by praising their effort, perseverance, and problem-solving skills. By doing so, we can empower them to embrace challenges and develop a lifelong love for math. To dive deeper into this fascinating research, check out the full article!
