One of the most important things that learners should know is that they have control over the way they think. However, there are several possible voices in our heads, and only we have the power to make the choice to listen to the voice that will allow us to do the most effective learning. 

Voice # 1 is the ‘no’ voice and therefore the least desirable voice. It can limit our learning and our self-esteem. This is the voice that says things like:

• I can’t do this.
• This is silly.
• It’s too hard.
• I’m hopeless at … Maths, art, reading etc.

 Voice # 2 is the ‘yes’ voice and therefore the most desirable voice because it opens us up to learning. It allows us to be ready and able to learn. This is the voice that says things like:

• I’ll try my best.
• I can do this even if it takes me a bit of time.
• I like a challenge.
• Practise makes progress.

 Voice # 3 is the ‘I don’t know’ voice. This voice is a problem because it allows us to procrastinate and waste valuable learning time. This is the voice that says things like:

• I’ll try to get started soon.
• Maybe I can do it.
• I’m tired.
• Don’t ask me, ask someone else.

 It is important for students to be aware of these voices and to recognise that they need to choose the ‘yes’ voice in order to maximise their learning. Also known as the growth mindset, it is the opposite of the ‘no’ voice, or the fixed mindset, which allows for little, if any, learning. The yes voice is the voice of learning and it views mistakes as an essential part of the learning journey.

 (Adapted from The Thinking Learning Classroom by Glen Capelli and Sean Bradley)

 Dear Lord,

We know that life is full of challenges and opportunities for learning. As parents and teachers, may we instil in our children the value of choosing the yes voice, so they can consistently embrace life’s opportunities and challenges as enthusiastic, confident learners.

Amen