Rabbi Explains How Struggling Students Outperformed Top Performers on Difficult Math Exam
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Rabbi Yona Goodman observed that on a difficult math exam, struggling students achieved success by persevering, while top students gave up. He stated this highlights the importance of resilience and confronting challenges, rather than innate talent. Goodman criticized "helicopter parenting" for hindering children's ability to develop coping skills, advocating instead for guidance that allows independent problem-solving.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Struggling students succeeded on a difficult math exam while top students quit, according to Rabbi Yona Goodman.
- Rabbi Goodman stated that perseverance in the face of difficulty, not just talent, leads to achievement.
- He criticized "helicopter parents" for solving children's problems, making them weaker.
- Goodman advised parents to guide children but let them independently overcome challenges.
- The rabbi believes this builds essential life skills for future tests and life itself.
A particularly challenging matriculation exam in mathematics revealed a surprising phenomenon: while many high-achieving students gave up and left the test, students who typically struggled persevered and achieved success. Rabbi Yona Goodman, in a video series, discussed the implications of this event, emphasizing the importance of confronting difficulties and the potential harm of over-involved parenting.
Rabbi Goodman recounted that on a recent math exam, which was significantly harder than usual, talented students who found the material too difficult simply quit, receiving a grade of zero. In contrast, students who usually faced academic challenges persisted, worked hard, and achieved positive results, even if not perfect scores.
He attributed this outcome not necessarily to innate academic ability, but to the resilience developed over time in facing adversity. "The struggling student learned to deal with difficulties, learned to deal with the complexity of the exercises," Goodman explained.
The rabbi extended this lesson to parents, cautioning against "helicopter parenting," where parents constantly intervene to solve their children's problems. He argued that such behavior, while seemingly helpful, ultimately weakens children by preventing them from developing their own coping mechanisms.
Instead, Goodman advised parents to guide and advise their children but to allow them to face challenges independently. This approach, he believes, helps children build inner strength and life skills necessary for future tests and for life itself.
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