How to Combat Student Apathy (In Three Steps)

I've heard from educators all around the country that this is a bigger issue and something we need to talk about more. Are you seeing this? In this video I dive into some of the reasons for student apathy, and a three-part solution that works to boost engagement.

[@dkel8795]

I'm only two minutes into the video so my thought may be a bit premature, but my mind always goes to social media/video games. The way students interact and digest information/media/entertainment is so different today than when I was in school. To give an example, I remember being excited to watch movies and documentaries in the classroom as a student. Now I hear all the time from students, the groans and complaining when we try to watch even just a 30 minute video. I feel their attention awareness and ability to sustain is being stunted by social media. It's also tough to compete with as a teacher as I'd imagine there's all kinds of dopamine release from using these different platforms.

[@AJJuliani]

I definitely think that could be part of it - I wonder what is impacting so much right now though?

[@ChristinePomme]

Brilliant thoughts around apathy in this video. I agree with the observations, and reasons for why students are apathetic. I also appreciated the very practical ways to approach that apathy in a way the evolves our educational practices. Imagine if everyone attacked education using some of these strategies. We just might be able to evolve the education system if we all try.

[@royfr8136]

Students' apathy is generally a reflection on the whole school and how it's run. If teachers are supported and encouraged and the school structure is organized and its willing to deal with negative behaviour from students then apathy in the classroom is at a minimum. Students get away with too much, they are overly praised and encouraged when it isn't deserved and their grades are and have been inflated - All and many other elements have created the current 'whatever' attitude' -But of course its only the teachers who are blamed and they are supposed to turn this around. - What covid did was make parents and students think... ''look, I wasn't engaged and had my camera turned off for most of two years... 'I sat and did the minimum and I still passed so why should I bother now?''

[@maryagnesedsall6022]

Tiktok use soared during Covid.