Have you ever watched a student give up before even trying, convinced that their efforts won’t make a difference? This sense of defeat, known as learned helplessness, can be a silent barrier to success in the classroom, affecting not just academic performance but a student’s entire educational journey and life.
Understanding learned helplessness is essential for teachers who want to create a supportive and effective classroom environment. When we recognize and address learned helplessness, we can empower students to overcome challenges and thrive academically and in life.
Our Part in Creating Learned Helplessness in Students
I confess that learned helplessness is a bit of a bug bear to me. When I worked in learning support I too often saw adult ‘helpers’ that were doing the work for the students. I also know that I too have participated in this. As a mum I remember a grade four science fair project, and a grade 8 poetry assignment that should never have been turned in as student work. 😉
Today I want to chat about:
- What is learned helplessness in the classroom?
- What is an example in the classroom?
- What are the 3Ps of learned helplessness?
- What is the trigger?
- How does it affect the student?
- How to help a child with learned helplessness?
- How to fix learned helplessness in the classroom?
1) What is Learned Helplessness in the Classroom?
Definition: This is a psychological condition where individuals believe they have no control over the outcome of a situation, leading to passive behavior and a lack of motivation. This mindset can develop when a student repeatedly faces challenges without having any sense of control or success.
Psychological Perspective: In psychology, it is often linked to depression and anxiety. First studied by Martin Seligman in the 1960s, he observed the behavior in animals and later applied his findings to humans. Seligman’s research demonstrated that when individuals perceive their actions as ineffective, they may stop trying altogether, even if opportunities for success arise.
Note: Since Seligman’s research in the 60s, there has been further research that has changed the understanding of the impact on the brain. However, the antidote is still the development of a growth mindset through Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy
What is the Best Example of Learned Helplessness? Consider a student who struggles with math. Despite their efforts, they see no improvement, leading them to stop trying altogether. This sense of futility is a hallmark of learned helplessness.
2) What is an Example in My Classroom?
In my own classroom I also observed learned helplessness in my students. I often explained to my students that when I did something for them, that was me saying I didn’t believe that they could do it themselves.
In my experience the best time to teach students they can do more than they think they can is as they head out to recess. There is nothing quite like a snowsuit zipper to motivate students to try harder.
I would, of course, sit with them in their struggles, offer kind words of encouragement and instruction, and help them if the fabric was caught in the zipper. But I firmly believed that they could do this.
Sometimes success took a few minutes to come, but it did not typically take more than being late getting outside once for my students to believe I meant it.
3) What Are the 3Ps of Learned Helplessness?
Permanence:
Does the individual believe a negative event is temporary or lasting. A pessimistic perspective is to see negative events as permanent (“it will never change”), while and optimistic perspective is to see them as temporary setbacks.
Pervasiveness:
Is the negative event seen as affecting only one area of life or many. Pessimists often believe a negative event impacts all aspects of life (pervasive), while optimists might see the same event as isolated to a specific situation.
Personalization:
This refers to whether a person blames themselves or external factors for a negative event. Pessimists tend to personalize negative events, blaming themselves, while optimists are more likely to attribute them to external factors.
The 3Ps of Pessimism (And What To Do Instead)
By understanding these three components, individuals can work on reframing negative thoughts and developing a more optimistic outlook. For example, instead of thinking “I’m a failure” (personalization, permanence), one could reframe it as ” I made a mistake on this, but it could be better next time”.
4) What is the Trigger?
Origins: This can be caused by repeated failures or negative experiences, where individuals feel powerless to change their circumstances. Key studies by researchers like Seligman and Maier showed that when individuals are exposed to uncontrollable stressors, they may develop a mindset of helplessness.
Educational Context: In the classroom, it can manifest as:
- a lack of participation
- low self-esteem
- an unwillingness to attempt new tasks.
Students may believe that no matter what they do, they will not succeed, which leads to disengagement from learning.
5) How Does Learned Helplessness Affect Students?
Impact on Students: Recognizing learned helplessness is vital because it affects a student’s emotional well-being and academic performance. Students who feel helpless are less likely to take risks or engage in problem-solving, which can hinder their overall development.
Classroom Implications: In the classroom, it can disrupt the learning environment, affecting not only the individual student but also their peers. When we identify these behaviours we can implement strategies to create a more inclusive and supportive atmosphere.
6) How to Help a Child With Learned Helplessness?
- Provide students with consistent encouragement.
- Set achievable goals and celebrate small successes such as in Positive Reinforcment.
- Create a classroom community that values effort over perfection.
Building Self-Efficacy: Self-efficacy, or the belief in one’s ability to succeed, is closely related to learned helplessness. By nurturing self-efficacy, teachers can help students develop a growth mindset, and encourage students to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles.
7) How to Fix it in the Classroom?
Teachers can combat learned helplessness by:
- Offering personalized support and feedback.
- Encouraging peer collaboration and mentorship.
- Utilizing varied teaching methods to cater to different learning styles.
Learned Helplessness in the Classroom
Learned helplessness is a significant barrier to student success, but with awareness and proactive strategies, teachers can make a difference. By understanding its causes and effects, educators can create a nurturing environment where all students have the opportunity to succeed.
As teachers, let’s commit to recognizing and addressing learned helplessness in our classrooms. By doing so, we can empower our students to believe in themselves and their potential, paving the way for a brighter future.
If you’d like to explore how to identify resilience in the classroom community and management foundation, read blog 82.
