Humans have developed a system for learning. Other animals seem to be amazed by this. If you observe people closely, you will see that they enjoy learning and studying. In fact, studying seems to be very enjoyable. When studying is fun, people are seen concentrating just as much as when playing games. There is something exceptionally fun about learning something new and mastering something you couldn’t before. The feeling of “improving” is the source of motivation. Being able to read and write and expanding your vocabulary allows you to understand what others are saying. Understanding what others are saying also improves your thinking ability. Furthermore, being able to read and write and expanding your vocabulary allows you to express your emotions more effectively. In a sense, it achieves a balance between reason and emotion.
However, others argue that piling on knowledge without a solid foundation won’t produce results.” So how can we build that foundation? One way is through reading. Reading about 100 picture books has been shown to improve a child’s responsiveness. Even picture books have a clear beginning, development, climax, and conclusion within a single story. Exposure to this structure often helps students understand the structure naturally. It’s a satisfying feeling when something you already know connects with something you’ve never seen before. Sometimes, things you’ve accumulated up until that point suddenly connect and become clear. This sudden realization is called a paradigm shift. In most cases, a paradigm shift marks a period of rapid intellectual growth. Paradigm shifts occur many times throughout a person’s life and help them grow.
How can you motivate your child? If you want your child to study, parents should study first. Enjoying studying with your child has a positive impact on their studies. Rather than setting goals for themselves, parents should listen to the goals their children set. There’s a significant risk in parents focusing solely on results rather than the value of effort. Teaching children that success or failure is due to planning and effort, rather than attributing success or failure to ability, is key. When children are praised by their parents, their “need for recognition” is satisfied and self-confidence develops. Children’s motivation is nurtured in a positive parent-child relationship. If this kind of parent-child relationship is always maintained, children will experience one paradigm shift after another.
