RSA ANIMATE: How To Help Every Child Fulfil Their Potential

Ever wondered why kids say they’re bored at school, or why they stop trying when the work gets harder? Educationalist Carol Dweck explains how the wrong kind of praise actually *harms* young people.

This short video is essential viewing for EVERYONE – from teachers and education workers to relatives and friends - and will totally revolutionise the way you interact with children.

Animation: Cognitive Media
Producer: Abi Stephenson

[brandonthesteele]

I'm a former "gifted child" and I'm certain that constantly being praised for my intelligence by teachers and parents harmed me.

I've always had a deeply set need to APPEAR smart in any setting that I'm in. Even in this comment I'm writing right now. Wow, look at him, so aware of himself, so sharp.

I just turned 30, and it's only now that I'm well on my way to earning my Bachelor's degree.

[CzarinaLace]

2:00 “The only thing that differed were their mindsets” that sentence makes my skin crawl. I do hope the study was accounting for things like child’s exposure to trauma, mental illness, poverty, and so on. It’s very different to compare a child getting adequate care at home to one who, say, might not be getting proper praise at all. That being said, children DO deserve proper role models who can help them develop a growth mindset. It’s worth it—but let’s not discount how involved it may be for some to develop that mindset.

[catk]

Thank you thank you thank you for the animation!!! I have ADHD and really can't stand videos over a minute or two. This one kept me engaged the entire time, and was a great lesson to boot!

[Fraudpod]

'Hello to Jason Isaacs' has instantly made this my favourite RSA production yet! Brava!

[ellieimmortal]

I remember having a talk with my friend. She kept telling her first child how hes so handsome and so smart, and I mad the suggestion to move away from "you're so smart" to "good job" and "nice work" and praising the effort. She didn't comply and now we have a kid who has mild depression because he is learning that not everyone sees him in that light. We are now watching the "bored" cover and distractions from putting in any effort.

[dreamystone]

Well, this video just explained the last 5 years of my life. I can't believe I just had break through from chatting with a robot for a week.

[HyperTheGoth]

my school asked me to see this for class, and while i appreciate the message and material, there is something deeply weird about being asked to learn to love the process of failing, while simultaneously being in risk of failing a class and getting kicked out of school

[plebjames]

Oh man! I think I must have been praised for my innate intelligence as a kid, because I never tried and then flat lined in high school. Still, I got rid of that mind-set a while ago and have embraced learning through mistakes. Now I have two kids and I think at least one of them is in the stuck mind-set. At least I've got time to try to turn it around. Thanks.

[elliotgriffith]

We watched this in science class and it changed the way I think about learning. Thank you!

[Inmyforces]

I just want to thank you for not only putting out this information, but overlaying a format that is helpful in digesting it. The whiteboard drawing is a novel way to present information. Much appreciated.

[hoorano]

As a teacher, I prefer not to praise, especially general ones like "good job." It loses it value when it's overused. I would rather describe their process whether if the child is struggling or successfully in doing a task. For example, "I see you are struggling and frustrated in solving that puzzle. Maybe you can ask your friend to help you." "I see you have figured out how to do that puzzle. How about you try this one (a harder one)?" I have seen how their confidence grow and they are willing to take on more challenges as the video stated when the adult focuses on the learning process.

[davidodonnell]

I met Carol Dweck when I worked at Columbia University in the the early 2000s. She was always extremely kind, cordial, and interesting. I am so glad that she continues to do such important work.

[smkel]

You must have tried really hard on this video! Great work.

[sakusho]

I wish I knew this when I was younger. I would tell my parents to praise me more for the process of what I was doing.

[ncomlegacy]

Carol Dweck's findings are simply fantastic, an amazing way to understand the learning process to help others and ourselves

[MusicBent]

happy to see RSA animate back! The hope of it's return was the biggest reason I stayed subscribed. They always have great ideas that are easily presentable to others.

[hisfatness]

This was an amazing video, I am glad my math teacher put this as a homework assignment as this has given me new insights about learning.

[Lena-chbk]

valuable for me as a mother and a teacher, thank you so much. My subconscious self followed the route which makes me so happy.

[ERBideaVault]

Nice animation. I just showed this video to my classroom of 12th grade math students. One student commented that it's nice to be able to see it and hear it at the same time.

[guilhermecruz]

I wish I could draw like this, but I can't... YET!