THE LAST LESSON

We went to the final class of my son’s Salamander swim lesson’s last week.  Usually the pool is a buzz with four to five classes of different levels going on simultaneously, effectively using all the space in the pool.  On this day easily two-thirds of the swimmers were absent.  Instead of 30 swimmers in the pool there might have been 10.  It amazes me how few people attend the final class of a session of swim lessons.  Only two of four participants showed up for my son’s class. 

Swimmers find out if they pass (and can move on to the next level) or whether they must repeat the level 2 classes before the end of the session.  Repeating levels, especially at younger ages is quite common as it is critical that swimmers demonstrate competency before they are moved to the next level.  It is interesting to see who is there to learn and who is there to be rewarded for their effort.  I understand that external rewards are motivators, but parents have a responsibility to help kids understand the value of learning so that kid’ motivation for participation is intrinsic.  Progress and learning vs. performance. 

I’ve observed the “last class” phenomenon for 2 years now and it concerns me every time.  Funny thing is that the children will learn from their parents to only do things when there is a reward associated.  Parents must have clarity on why they are enrolling kids in learning programs.  If it is indeed to learn then why would you deprive your child of one-tenth of their learning experience?  If the instructor cancelled a class people would want a refund for the class or for there to be a class added.  But nothing when the parent chooses to do it.  Interesting paradox.