Reimagining our future together: A study of Paul Tough’s helping children succeed Verma Kiran1,*, Tiwari Shubha2 1Research Scholar, Department of English, A.P.S University, Rewa (M.P) India 2Vice-Chancellor, Maharaja Chhatrasal Bundelkhand Universitry, Chhatarpur, (M.P) India *Corresponding Author Email: vermakiran499@gmail.com
Online Published on 6 February, 2024. Abstract In Helping Children Succeed: What Works and Why (2016), Paul Tough builds upon his previous work that emphasizes the significance of personal traits, like perseverance, in fostering student success. In this book, Tough shifts his focus to explore how educators, policymakers and parents can actively contribute to the development of these crucial attributes in children. Tough's core premise is that a child's success goes beyond mere academic achievement. He contends that traits like resilience, grit, curiosity, self-control and social skills play a pivotal role in determining long-term success in academics and life as a whole. These attributes, often referred to as "non-cognitive skills" or "soft skills," are instrumental in helping children navigate challenges, setbacks, and complexities beyond the classroom. The book delves into practical strategies and approaches that can be adopted to foster the growth of these essential traits. It examines the environments, relationships, and interventions that can help children develop the cognitive and emotional tools they need to overcome obstacles, make thoughtful decisions and interact positively with others. Tough draws on research from psychology, neuroscience, education and social science to provide evidence- based insights into how children's environments, experiences and interactions shape their development. He highlights the significance of a supportive and nurturing environment that empowers children to build these skills and attributes progressively. Helping Children Succeed: What Works and Why (2016), offers a roadmap for educators, policymakers, and parents to create environments that promote the holistic growth of children. It underscores the importance of understanding and addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by children from different backgrounds, including those affected by poverty, adversity and trauma. By shifting the focus from a purely academic perspective to a more comprehensive understanding of success, Tough's book contributes to the ongoing dialogue about education and child development. It emphasizes that developing character strengths alongside academic skills is essential for equipping children with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-evolving world. Top Keywords Personal Development, Education, Growth and Success, Adversities, Self-control. Top |