Posted 12 May 2025
From Struggle to Strength: Embracing Diverse Learning Paths in Education
From Struggle to Strength: Embracing Diverse Learning Paths in Education
By Paul Stevenson, Genius Within Ambassador
First Published: 12-May-2025
From Struggle to Strength: Embracing Diverse Learning Paths in Education
Our education system, with all its good intentions, sometimes fails to suitably support young people. It can burden them with negative remarks and rigid assessments, making them feel as though they have failed before they have even begun their journey through life.
A vivid example from my own family brings this to life.
One of my sons came home from school one day, his head hanging low, telling me he was “rubbish” because he was failing his exams. Particularly in mathematics, he believed he was “stupid.” It was heartbreaking to see such a bright, energetic young person so defeated. The system’s way of teaching mathematics hadn’t clicked with him, and so he was labelled as someone who “couldn’t do maths.”
I reassured him that this label was not only unfair but completely wrong. I invited him to complete a psychometric assessment, where he discussed significant strengths in areas such as spatial thinking, self-organisation, manual dexterity, creativity, memory, motion, and balance. The surprise and pride on his face as he saw his results was unforgettable.
He then asked, “But what about maths?”
I explained that we all learn differently. Just because the traditional methods didn’t resonate with him didn’t mean he was incapable of understanding mathematics. To illustrate this, I used an example drawn from his passion: parkour.
When practising parkour, he calculates distances, weight distribution, trajectories, and speed. His brain, without a calculator or formula sheet, performs complex mathematical modelling naturally. I gave him an example:
Imagine a parkour athlete needing to jump from one rooftop to another.
- The first roof is 4 metres above the ground.
- The second roof is 3 metres above the ground.
- The gap between the buildings is 2 metres wide.
To land safely, they must intuitively calculate:
- How fast they need to run (speed = distance ÷ time),
- How far they will fall while crossing (gravity affects them as they move forward).
This is equivalent to solving a projectile motion maths problem in real-time! They estimate speed, descent, and landing position, adjusting body angle and take-off without formal calculations. Their brain engages in real mathematical thinking.
Moreover, parkour strengthens:
- Spatial awareness and geometry: Constantly assessing distances, angles, surfaces, and trajectories — core elements of geometry.
- Problem-solving mindset: Finding creative ways through obstacles mirrors mathematical problem-solving.
- Timing and calculations: Split-second judgements on speed, force, momentum, and timing are rooted in physics and mathematics.
- Logical thinking: Planning sequences of moves logically, just like mathematical reasoning.
- Pattern recognition: Recognising physical patterns in the environment relates directly to finding mathematical solutions.
In short, while parkour doesn’t automatically make someone a mathematician, the skills it strengthens — problem-solving, visualisation, logic — are deeply transferable to mathematical thinking.
So what do I think these means we could be doing better?
We must encourage our young people based on their strengths and support them with their challenges. We should not allow them to leave education feeling like they’re at the bottom of the ladder, unfit to climb. Instead, we must ignite the spark within them and help set their trajectory towards a successful and fulfilling life.
Across the animal kingdom, play is a vital part of growing, learning, and discovering strengths. It is through play that skills are honed, confidence is built, and resilience is nurtured. As our young people grow into adulthood, we must continue to support them through the transition into employment. We must show them that the skills and strengths they have developed — even if they don’t immediately see it — are absolutely transferable into the workplace. Let’s champion their talents, nurture their potential, and help them recognise that they have so much to offer.
Every child has brilliance within them — our job is to help them find it, nurture it, and believe in it.
To discover how Genius Finder™️ from Genius Within can help you identify your own strengths and struggles and help you develop them, check out our Genius Finder website.