This is the first article in a series by Susan Kruger of SOAR® Learning, LLC covering her ‘Homework Problems Inventory’. We hope you find this series helpful as the school year progresses.
Issue #1- Research Explains Why Children Lack Confidence in School
My child…
1. “struggles with many school tasks.”
2. “does not have a lot of confidence.”
What’s the Problem?
There is a very good reason why many students struggle in school…traditional school instruction and assessments are focused on only a narrow range of intelligence: math, reading, and writing. If your child struggles in any or all of these areas, he is likely to struggle in school.
Why is this Happening?
Over the last 15-20 years, researchers have recognized that there are several additional forms of intelligence…at least eight commonly accepted ones, according to Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences: mathematical and language (the two most often represented in school), as well as visual/spatial, bodily/kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, musical, and naturalist. Most of us will have some talents or skills in each of these domains, but will typically excel in only a few. For many students, “mathematical” or “language” is not on their short list.
What can be done about it?
Each form of intelligence compliments dozens of various careers and should be encouraged and developed within children whenever possible. When children discover talents or skills in areas outside of school, they often become more motivated in all areas of their life, including their academics. My own experience is a good example of this increased motivation.
You may already know that I struggled significantly in school. I was the youngest person in my class and always felt “behind the eight ball” throughout grade school and middle school. However, a significant turning point for me came one summer in early high school, when my mother suddenly lost both employees in her small, solo medical practice due to unrelated -yet equally unexpected- circumstances. She asked me to come in to cover the phones and assist patients at the front desk. Before long, I had learned how to do insurance billing, discovered many costly “over-sights” (made by a former employee) and corrected them. This led to our investigation of a computerized billing system, and before the summer was over, mom and I had converted all of her billing to a more automated system on the computer that would allow her office to run more efficiently and help her keep a closer eye on her billing.
When school started after that summer, I had a completely new perspective on my ability as a student. I thought, “If I can accomplish as much as I did in mom’s office this summer, I could probably do better in school.” Turns out, I was right. My first and most significant hurdle was to believe in myself.
I have seen hundreds of students discover hidden talents and have witnessed how that discovery transformed their belief in themselves…which transformed their attitude…which improved their motivation. A key piece of this motivation comes from parents’ validation that their talent or ability is valuable and worthwhile.
You can help your child discover her natural abilities, recognize them as valuable skills, then help her nurture them in various ways, through electives in school, extra-curricular activities, part-time employment, or through special programs that match her needs and interests.
For more detailed information about the eight areas of intelligence, a complete inventory for your child, detailed career options that are best suited for each intelligence, and tips and strategies for capitalizing on your child’s strengths, check out the “”How are You Smart?” section of the Homework Help! for Parents CDs and e-book.
“By Susan Kruger of SOAR® Study Skills. Please visit
Susan’s web site at http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=L8ell&m=1axauS4Vd6QrBb&b=inirOt6PA2ET2wE2Uw3IlA for additional articles and resources to make managing homework easier.”
