The human brain is driven by either desire or fear when working towards a goal.
In education, students may score high marks out of desire for validation or fear of parental disapproval. Some have a genuine interest in studying. Others do not care about validation and lack interest entirely.
The educational system is often disappointed with the latter group. Institutions want better performance for many reasons — meeting parent demands, building reputation, maintaining pass percentages, competing with other schools. Many respond by punishing students who score poorly.
But this approach has a dark side. Students’ brains become conditioned to associate failure with punishment. They grow afraid to take risks or try new things in their adult lives. This fear can hold back entrepreneurship and innovation — both crucial for a country’s growth.
The pressure for high scores comes from multiple sources. Parents want validation. They believe high marks are the only path to success. Some hope for scholarships. While these motives may be understandable, they put immense pressure on students and can lead to serious mental health consequences.
Teachers and parents should take the time to understand each student’s unique needs and interests. Normalizing failure is essential. Teachers must carefully consider when punishment is necessary, and parents should respect their children’s interests before shutting them down.
This is not aimed at individual teachers — they often follow directives from their institutions. Real change must come from all sides.