When Schools Praise Perfection but Punish Risk

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@Shaista-Begum
You’ve captured a critical challenge in our education system. When schools unknowingly create environments where perfection is praised but risk-taking is punished, students begin to internalize the idea that mistakes equal failure — not growth.

This not only limits creativity, but also leads to anxiety, hesitation, and a fear of trying new things. In reality, some of the best learning happens when students stretch beyond their comfort zones and explore without the pressure of being “right” all the time.

True education should be about curiosity, experimentation, and reflection — not just scores and right answers. As educators, we must create brave spaces, where students feel safe to make mistakes and confident that their effort is valued.

Let’s keep advocating for a culture where growth is celebrated, questions are welcomed, and learning is a journey — not a performance.

@Sanaa Schools often inadvertently create a system where students are praised for perfection and simultaneously punished for taking risks. This can hinder learning and development by discouraging students from trying new things, potentially leading to anxiety and a fear of failure

@Sanaa Constantly praising students who excel can create pressure to maintain that high level of performance, leading to anxiety and a fear of failure.

@Sanaa When praise is solely focused on the end result (the "perfect" answer), students may not learn to appreciate the effort and learning process involved in achieving it.

@Sanaa can create a sense of winners and losers, where students feel defined by their academic achievements and may be less likely to try new things or seek help when struggling.

@Sanaa Rewards and praise, when overused, can decrease a student's natural desire to learn and explore, as their motivation becomes extrinsic (driven by external rewards).
Punishing Risk-Taking:

@Sanaa mistakes are met with punishment or negative feedback, students may become afraid to take chances or try new approaches, even if they are intellectually curious.

@Sanaa Risk-taking allows for exploration and learning from mistakes. When this is discouraged, students miss out on valuable opportunities for growth.

@Sanaa fear of punishment can lead to students prioritizing conformity over creativity and independent thought.

@Sanaa Students may experience high levels of stress and anxiety related to performance, potentially leading to decreased well-being and even mental health issues.