“When one tries to learn and fails, the experience can trigger uncertainty about one's ability to learn. The resulting loss of "smart status" and fear of future failure can freeze cognition; if this becomes chronic, it can give rise to hopelessness and pessimism in the classroom. When a student is on a losing streak—has fallen into a pattern of what he or she believes to be inevitable failure—it's easy to lose heart and see no option but to give up. If that student is unlucky, a naïve adult or two will decide that if a little intimidation doesn't motivate success in school, a great deal of intimidation just might. This is exactly the wrong approach.”