Throughout time there has been an ongoing debate on whether nurture has a greater impact on students than Nature. If you are new to this debate, nurture refers to the environmental factors that shape an individual’s development, such as their upbringing, social interactions, and education. Nature refers to the genetic and biological factors that influence an individual’s development. 

Nature plays a role in shaping a student’s abilities and personality, Simply Psychology shows, “These facts have led many to speculate as to whether psychological characteristics such as behavioral tendencies, personality attributes, and mental abilities are also “wired in” before we are even born.” It is widely seen that nurture has a much greater impact on their overall development. The reasoning is that the environment in which a student grows up can have a huge effect on their cognitive, emotional, and social development. The National Library of Medicine supports this by saying, “During various phases of development, children need appropriate experiences that support their interest in exploration, experimentation, and self-direction. Hence, modifying nurturing ways by adapting to the nature of a child will lead to desirable consequences both to the individual and society at large.”

Another example would be students who grow up in a supportive and stimulating environment are more likely to be confident, curious, and motivated to learn. The Thomas B Fordham institution supports this by stating, “Learning suffers when students fear for their safety, worry about being bullied, or don’t sense their teachers have high expectations for their success. In a healthy, supportive climate, students are engaged and take intellectual risks. They follow well-established rules and norms for behavior that their teachers and school leaders model and maintain.” On the other hand, students who grow up in a stressful or unsupportive environment are more likely to struggle with academic and social skills and may be more prone to mental health issues.

Moreover, nurture can also influence a student’s academic success by providing them with access to quality education, resources, and opportunities. By contrast, students who grow up in disadvantaged environments may face barriers to success, such as limited access to educational resources, inadequate nutrition, and exposure to violence and trauma. 

In conclusion, while nature certainly plays a role in shaping a student’s development, it is widely recognized that nurture has a greater impact on their overall success and well-being. By providing students with a supportive and stimulating environment, we can help ensure that students get the best possible chance to succeed and get further in life.