Calvin exhibits behaviors and attitudes that can be associated with learned helplessness. Here are some ways in which this theme is subtly portrayed with school experiences.

Calvin often expresses frustration and boredom with school. He may feel overwhelmed by the demands of homework, tests, and the classroom environment. In some strips, he exhibits a defeatist attitude, suggesting that he believes he has no control over his academic performance or the educational system. This sense of helplessness in the face of academic challenges is a common aspect of learned helplessness.

For example, in this comic strip, Calvin is exhibiting learned helplessness in a group project. He is demonstrating learned helplessness through a lack of contribution, in the past Calvin's efforts have not been recognized in school events. So he believes his contributions won't make a difference or be acknowledged by the group and refuses to help out. Another way through this comic strip Calvin is demonstrating learned helplessness is because of avoidance of responsibility due to negative comments from his peers and never being acknowledged for his previous efforts. In Group work, he actively avoids taking responsibility or leadership roles within the group to help the group this also correlates with his low self-efficiency because he has high doubts that he will not make a meaningful contribution to the project to group's project. The last way Calvin demonstrates learned helplessness is through his reduced motivation over the group project he is being chastised by one of his peers for not caring and for focusing on other tasks like drawing because he is not showing any motivation to get this project done because he does not see a clear connection between his contribution and to the success of his group.