Author: Mr Oscar Ifeanyi I. THE PROBLEM Every year, millions of students around the world start school excited about what they will learn, but quickly become disillusioned and discouraged when they get the idea that they are not as ‘smart’ as others. Parents and teachers inadvertently give out the message that academic ability is inborn—you either have it or you don’t. This myth that our brains are fixed and that we simply have or don’t have the aptitude for certain topics is scientifically inaccurate and dangerous. It limits the confidence and excitement of the student towards learning especially when he/she has been made to believe that they're not smart enough. THE SOLUTION The following guidelines will help anyone to maximise the learning potential of their brains — whether they’re math-phobic or worried about other impediments to learning. 1. Understand that your brain is always changing. “Every time we learn, our brain forms, st...