"Nine tenths of education is encouragement"

Imagine you’re back in school, grappling with a tough subject. Now, picture the difference between a teacher who criticizes your every mistake and one who gently guides you, praising your efforts. That’s the essence of why encouragement is so crucial in education. It's not just about the facts and figures. It’s about believing you can conquer them.

This quote isn’t tethered to one historical moment; it reflects a universal truth. Wherever there's learning, encouragement is the secret sauce. Think about Thomas Edison, whose teachers thought he was "addled." His mother pulled him out of school and provided the support and belief he needed. Without her encouragement, we might not have the light bulb.

Let’s drill down with a real-life example. Picture Sarah, a high school student struggling in math. Her grades are slipping, and she’s convinced she's bad at it. Then there's Mr. Davis, her math teacher. Instead of focusing on her mistakes, he highlights her progress. “You got this part right, see? You’re getting better!” He provides extra help after class, always patient, always positive. Slowly but surely, Sarah’s confidence builds. She starts seeing math as a challenge she can tackle, not a mountain she’ll never climb. By the end of the year, she’s not just passing; she’s excelling.

How can you bring this wisdom into your life? Whether you're a parent, teacher, or just mentoring a friend, remember that your words have power. Focus on what’s going well. Offer specific praise that can help build confidence. If you’re giving feedback, sandwich the critique between encouraging comments. “You did a great job on this part. Here’s something we can work on. But look how much you’ve improved already!” It’s genuine, it’s motivating, and it works.

Now, let’s tell a story. Imagine you’re mentoring a new colleague, Alex, who’s struggling to get the hang of a complex project. Every mistake feels like a setback to him, and you can see his morale dipping. You remember the quote. Instead of pointing out what he’s done wrong, you acknowledge his efforts. “I know this is tough, but you’re making progress. Remember last week? You’ve already streamlined this part. That’s impressive.” You sit with him, guiding through the tricky bits, making sure to highlight his improvements along the way. Slowly, Alex starts gaining confidence. He’s more willing to dive into the work, less afraid of making mistakes. By the end of the month, he’s not just competent—he’s thriving.

So next time you’re in a position to teach, lead, or guide, think about the nine-tenths rule. Encourage. Believe in their potential. Your words could be the very thing that sparks a transformation. And who knows? Someday, you might be the one they look back on and say, “That person believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.”