Struggle

Struggle. 

In Alix Spiegel's article Struggle Means Learning: Difference in Eastern and Western Cultures, she writes about the research of Jim Stigler. 

Stigler traveled to Japan to observe the educational practices found in that country. He found noticeable differences between how the cultures of east and west viewed struggle in the learning process. Spiegel states, "In Eastern cultures, Stigler says, it's just assumed that struggle is a predictable part of the learning process."

Students are expected to struggle, and their perseverance through struggle is seen as a good thing. Often times in the west, however, students are embarrassed by their struggle if they don't quickly pick up new learning. Many struggling students give up too soon, and brand themselves as not good enough. 

Contrary, in Japan the fellow students allowed the struggler time to master new material without passing judgement. Following mastery they all celebrated as if they had no doubt that their peer would not be successful in the end. 

One of my former students announced in the first week of second grade that she was no good at math. I assured her that she just hadn't found what method worked best for her. With the help up a numberline she was able to add and subtract successfully. 

In viewing struggle as an expected part of learning we might not be so quick to give up when something does not come easily to us.