I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.
– Pablo Picasso
When you think of a risk-taker, you may envision someone who is reckless or does dangerous things.
However, in our IB classrooms, when we call a student a risk-taker, we mean someone who is willing to step outside of their comfort zone, is willing to be challenged and is willing to try new things, even if it means they may fail.
Students, especially teenagers, often become intimidated by being ‘wrong’ or failing in front of their peers which may lead them to shy away from asking questions or providing their own ideas. The key to developing the risk-taking attribute is to provide students with a supportive environment where mistakes are viewed as a learning opportunity. By providing a comfortable place to fail, students become more willing to take the risk. In taking on a new risk, they start building their confidence, allowing them the courage to take on new challenges in the future.
As learners, we strive to:
- Work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas
- Develop innovative strategies
- Be resourceful and resilient in the face of challenge, change and uncertainty
We encourage students to be risk-takers in the classroom, exploring new possibilities. This is a skill that students will need to develop in order to become well-rounded, decisive, and confident adults.