This topic is a hot button for me. So many parents think education is the school’s job and student think it’s SUD–Some Other Dude’s responsibility but not them. I was thrilled when Ask a Tech Teacher guest author, Pete McAllister, sent this article in:
While teachers are often challenged with students who lack responsibility and self-motivation, enhancing student learning can be a tedious ongoing task. Because many students are unaware of the true importance of tertiary education and relevant qualifications, following a career path can be an overwhelming task. However, there are several effective ways that teachers can encourage students to further their education and take full responsibility for their own educations. The following top tips will enhance student learning and encourage a more positive attitude from students who would otherwise fall behind and lose sight of future planning.
Discuss Potential Career Options
A large number of young students in high-school would rather avoid thinking about how to further their education after high-school simply because they are unaware of alternative options. When taking into account that students lacking motivation may be burdened with financial stress at home, it would be wise to discuss potential paths that make studying further a possible reality. Discussing the details of bursaries [a ‘bursary’ for those not familiar is basically a grant for students] and partial subsidies would essentially enable students who are unable to rely on their parents’ financial situation to understand that they can take their futures in their own hands. In addition to this, you may find that some students are unable to attend universities full-time for several realistic reasons, which is why discussing part-time and correspondence tertiary education is absolutely necessary. By providing your students with ample realistic options, it is far more likely that you will be able to spark interest.
Be The Voice Of Reason
When dealing with students who lack motivation during class time, the effects can impact other students, which is why encouraging feedback from your students is an extremely effective method of teaching. Rather than assume all your students are able to keep up to date with your methods, you may find that students who lack enthusiasm are not on par with others. Encouraging feedback on your teaching methods and adjusting certain aspects of your classroom will enhance the notion that you care about your students, which will, in turn, enhance student learning.
Career-Related Research Projects
To effectively ensure your students understand the full impact of their educations you should assigning career-related research projects. Allowing each student to select their preferred career and conduct thorough research on each aspect of their choice will ultimately help students understand how important tertiary education is. Through career-related research, students will discover how many universities in the UK are suitable for their futures and which courses they should prepare for. This will also boost confidence and allow students to fully grasp the fact that they are in control of their education and their career choices. It would also be wise to inform students of job market challenges and the worth of each type of degree as many students avoid asking questions. The more your students understand about education requirements for certain careers, the more likely they are to develop a passion for their education and ambition towards success.
@careersportal1
More about education
How Behaviorism Can Turn Your Classroom Around
How to Do Student-led Conferences
How to Help Students Find Their Passion
Jacqui Murray has been teaching K-18 technology for 30 years. She is the editor/author of over a hundred tech ed resources including a K-12 technology curriculum, K-8 keyboard curriculum, K-8 Digital Citizenship curriculum. She is an adjunct professor in tech ed, Master Teacher, webmaster for four blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice, CSTA presentation reviewer, freelance journalist on tech ed topics, contributor to NEA Today, and author of the tech thrillers, To Hunt a Sub and Twenty-four Days. You can find her resources at Structured Learning.
