Quit While You’re Ahead

W.C. Fields said, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.  Then quit.  There’s no point in being a damn fool about it.”

Children are keenly aware of their pecking order in school.  The structure of school guarantees that competing and comparing are ever present.  Ask any student and they can name the “smart kids” and the “dumb kids.”  Even in play children often choose up teammates based on their abilities to help insure a win.   Being labeled a quitter is a stigma of weakness. 

Ironically psychologists say that individuals who are able to adapt their attitudes about winning and changing or altering a goal are healthier.  These persons have less stress and have stronger immune systems. 

So how can a classroom teacher create an environment that accepts quitting?

First it’s important to re-define what quitting means.  Children must understand that quitting does not mean not trying.   Quitting is also not failure; it is restructuring the final goal.  The joy is in running the race, not trying to win it.  Quitting is knowing when something is not going to happen perhaps that goal is impossible.   Everyone cannot obtain all A’s.   The classroom must also be a quality environment.  

The elements of a quality environment are:

• Relationships are based on trust and respect.  Teachers convey to students that they have the student’s best interest in mind.  Students feel safe.
• As part of all curriculum students learn valuable life skills, speaking, listening, reading, writing, and problem solving
• Students learn how to self assess.  Self-evaluation means constantly working toward improvement.  “If it ain’t broke, work to make it better.”

Self assessment also teaches children how to let go of an unrealistic goal.   Goal reengagement – seeking a meaningful alternative buffers frustration and increases optimism.   If students approach learning with optimism then difficult tasks are not so scary. 

Learning does not have to be a contest.  If students can measure their own progress against themselves and not against the group then they can begin to realize their own potential.