Critical Thinking

A fresh approach to getting kids to work smarter and better, not just harder

As teachers and parents, our job is to teach students to tackle challenges rather than avoid them. Award-winning teacher and best-selling author Debbie Silver addresses the relationship between student motivation and risking failure, calling failure a temporary “glitch” that provides valuable learning opportunities. She explains motivational theory, provides down-to-earth—often humorous—real life examples, and outlines concrete, applicable guidelines for helping students overcome setbacks and failure to foster lifelong success. Key topics include:

• How to help students become autonomous, enthusiastic, lifelong learners
• Why failure is not only an option, but a very concrete way of gaining ground
• The difference between a “pep talk” and specific, relevant feedback that enhances self-efficacy

This reader-friendly guide’s examples of dialogue and vignettes demonstrate what to say when giving feedback to students. Also included is a discussion guide for teacher leaders. Teachers, parents, and other student advocates will find helpful strategies for helping students learn to solve problems, take risks, and pursue success with confidence.