For thousands of years, mankind has searched for ways to better itself, be it through technology, medicine, or philosophy. Most societies have relied on education as an avenue to advance their societies and improve the human condition. The inability of people to attain higher levels of education is almost universally regarded as an impediment to human progress, and rightfully so, as education must play a critical role in every person’s life. However, society should also take a sensitive approach to encouraging students to pursue fields of study to which they perhaps will not succeed, especially in the areas of science and math, where the fear of failure is a near-constant factor. The fear of not succeeding in a field of scientific study is commonplace, and is usually cited as a reason for not pursuing that field of study. However, the fear of failure is unfounded, and even those who have pursued careers in these fields attest to the satisfaction of working in these fields. It is, in fact, this fear of failure that prevents students from pursuing careers in scientific research. This fear of failure is severe enough to influence students to exclude entire fields from consideration in the first few years of their education, and to later abandon those fields entirely. It is fortunate that society has not abandoned its pursuit of scientific knowledge, but the negative impact of this fear on students’ educations is difficult to overstate.

Students’ first exposure to science is usually in a science class, where they are encouraged to explore the scientific method and construct scientific explanations for phenomena, often with little regard for whether the phenomena exist in the real world. Students often come to believe that science is a collection of facts that are true, regardless of whether or not they are applicable to the real world. This misconception is perpetuated by teachers, who rarely present any evidence to the contrary. Eventually, students come to believe that science only exists to provide information about the world, and that it must be applied before it can be accepted as true. From this perspective, science becomes a tool for discovering information about the world, rather than a true way of understanding it. Moreover, once students become scientists, they still do not see the value of applying their knowledge to real-world issues, and dismiss any practical application of their research as mere science fiction. As a result, many scientists spend their careers pursuing technological advances that are of little benefit to anyone.

The fear of failing in a science or math class also discourages students from taking these courses in high school, or at all. Students who fail mathematics courses often believe that they do not possess the mathematical skills to succeed, and that there is nothing they can do to increase their chances of succeeding. This fear of failure prevents students from taking advanced mathematics courses, or from taking courses in subjects in which mathematics is essential, such as physics and chemistry. Students who do not do well in these courses may believe it to be their fault, and assume that they will never succeed in higher level classes. This belief is reinforced by teachers, who rarely provide students with the opportunity to review concepts or review problems that they may have previously struggled with. As a result, students never learn how to improve their problem solving skills, or develop strategies to compensate for their weaknesses. Moreover, the fear of failure prevents students from seeking out assistance from teachers or peers, both of which can be invaluable in overcoming unfamiliar concepts.

The fear of failing in these fields extends beyond the typical high school years. Many students believe that college is a waste of time and money, and that they will not be successful once they enter the workforce. They apply to college courses in subjects that interest them, but postpone studying mathematics and science until later in their college careers. This delay allows students to avoid taking difficult courses, and to prioritize subjects in which they are more likely to succeed. This delay also allows students to focus on the social aspects of college, and to avoid any problems with their coursework or grades.

Students’ failure to complete required coursework before they graduate also affects their ability to obtain jobs in these fields. Many students assume that their major field of study will provide them with enough opportunities for employment after graduation, and that additional courses are not necessary. They put off taking any courses in science or math, and assume that they will complete these courses once they find a job. This assumption is often incorrect. Employers often hire applicants with specialized knowledge, and may require applicants to complete a minimum number of courses specific to that field. As a result, students may find that they do not qualify for employment in their desired field.

Society must take a proactive approach to discouraging students from pursuing fields of study in which they are unlikely to succeed. This effort should begin in middle school, when students begin to take science classes. Teachers should encourage students to explore many fields of study, and should provide them with the opportunity to review concepts that they struggled with in previous classes. Students should be encouraged to enroll in additional mathematics courses, even if they believe that they are unlikely to succeed in these classes, and should take the time to review math concepts that they previously struggled with. Students should also be given the opportunity to take additional science courses, even if they believe that they have mastered the material in these subjects. Teachers and parents should discourage students from applying to college before completing all the required coursework, and should encourage students to enroll in courses that are most likely to prepare them for employment. Teachers should also encourage students to seek out assistance from their peers, and should encourage students to seek employment in related fields if they feel that they cannot pursue their desired field of study.

Society must take a proactive approach to encouraging students to pursue fields in which they are unlikely to succeed. The fear of failure prevents students from participating in scientific research, and from completing courses in mathematics and science.