I think the above quote is true far beyond the athletic context for which it was intended, and the concept is a core
element to my philosophy of teaching. As a field hockey coach, it is one of my favorite expressions. I have seen
many teams play a nearly perfect game and lose -- just because nobody shot the ball at the goal.
In my teaching experience, I have met students who are so afraid to fail that they just don't try. Their first
response to any question is: "I don't know." These students quickly fall behind their peers in all aspects of language
learning: not because of lack of ability, but because of their attitude. I believe the most important thing a student can
learn is to try. Without trying, a student is destined to fail. By simply making an attempt to succeed,
the student has already made a commitment to improve. With this desire to improve, the student can go as far as
his/her hard work takes him/her.
The teacher's role in this situation is vital. First, the student needs to be in an environment where s/he feels
comfortable enough to try. The classroom needs to be non-threatening, non-judgmental and with positive reinforcement for
courageous efforts. The teacher can praise attempts (successful ones and otherwise), encourage future attempts, and
help to focus the student on attainable goals. What may be most important in this equation is the student's perception
of the teacher's belief. A student must believe that the teacher thinks s/he can succeed.
By building a student's comfort level and confidence, the teacher can help to turn the I don't knows to I
will trys. It is the people who try who score the goals in athletic contests and who succeed in life.
When my students try their best, I have done my job.
