Believing in Our Students
Believing in a student is not simply about telling them that you believe in them and you know they will be great. Most students have a built-in ability to know when an adult is faking it. To believe in a student one has to be able to demonstrate through their actions that they really are invested in that student and care about how they develop as a good human being. Being invested and believing in a student can be demonstrated in many ways. At TIS, teachers intentionally use some of these strategies to enhance student success.
Encouraging effort more than achievement can emphasize to a student that the value is placed on their ability to do their best rather than to accomplish the often unrealistic goal of attaining the highest mark. Academic achievement is always important but the hope is that a student who is praised for effort, will return again and again and will be successful academically given the confidence to do so.
Another strategy is to give permission to make mistakes not just for academics but for behaviour. Students learn from doing and making mistakes is to be expected and part of the journey into adulthood. Teaching students the skills to do it a different way next time is part of the mantra that says “I believe in you, that you will do better next time”. Supporting a student that has made an error of judgement requires particular patience and understanding that comes with the belief that in every student there is the chance to improve and to do good. Sometimes this journey is hard for both the teacher and the student. However, the benefits are seen when a student trusts that their teacher will support them through times of failure as well as successes.
Changing the language of how one speaks to students from “you failed at that” to “you haven't done it yet” gives the student the opportunity to try harder next time and not feel like a failure. Time and more opportunities to practice being a different person are often all is required.
As both educators and parents, adults have the power to make a difference in a child's life. We can choose to believe in them and sometimes this is the best gift that you can give!
