Q: I coach an art teacher who is struggling with students who have the “I suck at art” mentality. He says they aren’t motivated because they think they can’t do it. They only produce the bare minimum. What can he do to help them make more of an effort?
Signed, Coach Who Knows Kids Can
A: As an instructional coach, seeing students hindered by self-doubt can be disheartening, especially in a field that thrives on creativity and expression. The “I suck ” mentality is not uncommon in any subject. As an English teacher, I would often encounter with the same mentality when it came to reading and writing. This issue often stems from a fear of judgment, a lack of confidence, or previous negative experiences. However, there are effective strategies to help students break free from their limiting beliefs and ignite their passion for art (as well as other subjects that have a stigma attached to them).
Foster a growth mindset
One of the most powerful tools in education is the concept of a growth mindset, popularized by psychologist Carol Dweck. Encourage your art teacher to emphasize that skills in art, like any other discipline, can be developed with practice and perseverance. Shift the focus from innate talent to the idea that improvement comes from effort.
For instance, instead of praising a finished piece, celebrate the process and the progress made along the way. This could involve discussing the techniques they tried or the new ideas they explored. It is also good for teachers to authentically share about their own challenges and how they overcame them. My students knew that I wrote professionally, so I shared early drafts of my writing and explained how hard can be to take critical feedback. I also expressed how that feedback helped me become better.
Create a safe and supportive environment
Art should be a space where students feel safe to express themselves without fear of judgment. Encourage the teacher to establish a classroom culture that values experimentation and mistakes as part of the learning process. Consider introducing collaborative projects that allow students to work together, sharing ideas and techniques without the pressure of individual performance. This can help students see art as a collective experience rather than a solitary competition.
Personalize the learning experience
Every student has unique interests and abilities. Encourage teachers to get to know their students better and tailor projects to align with their interests. For instance, if students love music, they could create artwork inspired by their favorite songs or cover art for their favorite albums. If students see art as relevant to their lives, they may find more motivation to engage and express themselves.
Introduce incremental challenges
Start with small, manageable tasks that build confidence. For example, instead of diving straight into a complex painting, have students create a simple sketch or a series of quick studies. These smaller successes help students gradually build their skills and confidence. As they experience success, they may feel more capable and willing to tackle more challenging projects.
Highlight the importance of reflection
Encourage students to reflect on their work and their growth. This could be through journaling, group discussions, or even informal critiques. When students have opportunities to articulate what they’ve learned and how they’ve improved, they can begin to recognize their progress and potential. This practice reinforces their growth and helps them develop critical-thinking skills that are essential in art. Having students create a portfolio also can be an easy way for them to see their progress over time.
Celebrate individuality and unique perspectives
Art is deeply personal, and every student brings their own perspective to their work. Encourage your art teacher to celebrate the individuality of each student’s style. Create opportunities for students to share their work with the class, focusing on what makes each piece unique. By fostering an appreciation for diverse artistic expressions, a teacher can help students feel more validated in their creative choices. It is important to expose students to a variety of kinds of art as well. Not all of it will appeal to everyone, but seeing the variety will help support the idea that there are unique perspectives within art.
Provide constructive feedback
Feedback can be a double-edged sword. It’s crucial to provide constructive, specific feedback that highlights strengths while gently addressing areas for improvement. Encourage the teacher to use supportive and encouraging language, focusing on the effort and creativity behind the work rather than just the final product. This approach can help students view feedback as a tool for growth rather than a critique of their abilities.
Overcoming the “I suck at art” mentality is not an overnight process, but with patience and the right strategies, it can happen. By fostering a supportive environment, celebrating individuality, and emphasizing growth, your art teacher can help students rediscover their passion for creativity. Ultimately, the goal is to empower students to express themselves freely and confidently, transforming their mindset from limitation to possibility.
Have a question that you’d like Career Confidential to answer? Email ssackstein@educatorsrising.org. All names and schools will remain confidential. No identifying information will be included in the published questions and answers.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Starr Sackstein
Starr Sackstein is the Massachusetts state coordinator for PDK’s Educators Rising program, COO of Mastery Portfolio, an education consultant, instructional coach, and author. She was a high school English and journalism teacher and school district curriculum leader. She is the author of more than 15 educational books, including Hacking Assessment (Times 10, 2015), Making an Impact Outside of the Classroom (Routledge, 2024), and Actionable Assessment (Routledge, 2026).
Visit their website at: https://www.mssackstein.com/
