Productive Uncertainty

Have you heard your consultant use the phrase "productive uncertainty" before? What does that mean? RDI Consultant Sue Simmons described it, "Consider the term productive, which insinuates that what we’re referring to is inherently positive. Then couple this with the word uncertainty – some kind of unknown. Ultimately, productive uncertainty refers to a situation in which an individual must resolve some kind of cognitive challenge. In order to be productive, it needs to be appropriate for the child; not anxiety producing, but not meaningless either."

Using productive uncertainty, we are able to put our child in a situation where they have to pause, and rethink the situation. This is how we are able to help our children learn how to problem solve.

For more information on productive uncertainty and how to teach our children how to problem solve, click here to read the rest of the article by Sue Simmons' article on RDI Connect.