Learning involves taking risks. You can’t learn something new if you don’t try. However, our students are constantly afraid of making mistakes. They are afraid of failing. And part of our job is to encourage them to do that. We have to show them that making mistakes is an essential part of learning. We have to encourage them to always try.
Watch this video that is available on youtube. It shows a puppy trying to learn how to go down the stairs.
The learning process is the same for people or animals. It’s the same whether you are learning English or if you are learning how to drive. It’s always trial and error. If you never try, you’ll never get it right. The little puppy is afraid, tries to do it, thinks it’s too hard, almost gives up, and tries it again. The older dog shows her how to do it. The little puppy tries to copy him, but she thinks it’s too hard. The older dog shows her again. In a way, he “tells” her to try and that he’s there to help her. Eventually she does it.
Learning is going into an unknown territory. It’s scary, because you’re leaving your comfort zone. It’s alright to be afraid, but you must face your fear. With time, you’ll feel more comfortable.
Next time the little puppy tries to go down the stairs, it won’t be completely easy yet. She’ll still be a little scared, but it will be less difficult. With time she’ll learn how to do it easily and without any fear. And then she’ll be ready to learn other things.
The role of Simon, the older dog, is the same as your role in the classroom. You don’t teach your students anything. You just show them how to do it and encourage them to try. You show them several times. And you let them try. You correct them if they make a mistake, and you encourage them to try again. Eventually, they will learn.
What about the dog’s owner? What was her role in the process? She kept encouraging the little puppy. She said things like, “Come on,” “You can do it,” “Good job!” That’s your job in the classroom, too. It’s very important to encourage students and to praise them for trying. This is what will help them to learn.
You students have to have one important thing in mind. Trying doesn’t mean getting something right the first or the second time. You get a little better every time you try. It might take a while, but your students have to think, “I’m on the right track,” “I’m starting to learn,” “I’m getting better every day.”
Students sometimes say, “I’m not good at English.” Of course they’re not! That’s why they are studying it. But after they learn, they will be good at it. You don’t have to be good at something at the beginning. You have to be good at it at the end. If you never try to do something because you are not good at it, you will never be good at it. It’s as simple as that. You have to try. Make your students understand that!
I saw the following video on “Sesame Street” many years ago. I just found it again on youtube. The quality is not very good, but the message is very clear: trying is the key to success. Here it is:
Trying and Trying Again:
Encourage your students to always try. This is what is going to make them move ahead!
