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"I Give Up!"
Oh boy...I have heard those words uttered more than I would like to admit. Whether it is in the classroom or on the athletic fields, in the band room or at chess club, I never want to hear a student say, "I give up!". Could it be coming from a place that may be in need of help? Perhaps, and we teachers have the tools to turn that I-give-up into an I-can-do-it!
Far too often is the case in which a student feels at their wit's end. There is most likely a reason (or more than one reason) as to why they are having this feeling of despair. I would like to dive into some of the more common reasons why a student may want to give up. From my personal experience, I will provide some insight on handling and navigating through these emotions with your students. Please, add to the conversation with your anecdotes and experiences too via comments or email me at getaheadlearning.info@gmail.com
Join me. Let's Talk About It and Let's Get Ahead...
There are various reasons why a student might feel like quitting or giving up. These feelings can stem from a combination of academic, social, and personal factors. Some common reasons include:
Academic Pressure: I teach in a high school and it can be academically challenging! Students may feel overwhelmed by the workload, difficulty of subjects, or fear of failure. Since I mostly have juniors and seniors in my classroom, getting into college is a top stressor in their lives too. This adds to the academic pressure.
Peer Pressure: Social dynamics in high school can be intense, and students may feel pressured to conform to certain expectations or fit in with their peers. This pressure can lead to feelings of isolation or inadequacy. There are times when a student may want to stay on an AP track to stay with their established friend group. Sometimes its the band of students you have in recent years been paired with that may levy some unfair expectations.
Lack of Support: Students may feel unsupported either at home or at school. Lack of encouragement, guidance, or understanding from teachers, parents, or peers can contribute to a sense of hopelessness. Let's face it, teenage life is tough! A solid support system is a must and academics are NOT the exception!
Personal Issues: Students may be dealing with personal challenges such as family problems, health issues, or financial difficulties that affect their ability to focus on school. Your class just might not be their priority in that moment. I can respect that.
Exhausted: High expectations, extracurricular activities, and a busy schedule can lead to an overwhelming feeling of being tired, depleted...burnt out. When students feel physically and emotionally exhausted they may contemplate giving up.
It's important for educators, parents, and peers to be aware of these factors and provide support and resources to help students navigate through challenges. I have found the remedy is to Get Ahead of the issue (pun intended but quite appropriate as well). In addition to being the students' teacher and coach...I want to also be a human being that "sees" another human being. Ha! I know that sounds deep but it is the truth. My profession is not just educating. It is also guiding and teaching beyond the textbook. There are life lessons to be learned. There are mental outlooks to be molded and supported. Teachers just may be that last line of defense that can steer a child onto the right track; the track that allows this child to be successful in their life.
I do my very best to cultivate a learning environment that is conducive for many types of learners to learn. I do my very best to ensure each child in my classroom is comfortable being there and comfortable making mistakes too. I do my very best to confront any signs of despair and encourage students to not put up any white flags of surrender. Being vocal and upfront about the difficulty of the course, sharing my personal experience of not "getting it" at first when I was in their shoes, being a constant source of encouragement is without a doubt part of my job.
One of my go-to's, when it comes to battling a student's wanting to give up, is offering 10 minutes of my time. It is amazing how much can be accomplished when you say, "Hey, come by after school and talk to me for 10 minutes. We can go over some materials and problems and I will help you stay on track." Letting the student know you are there for them and you are willing to work with them one-on-one is a powerful tool that we are all able to utilize.
"I Give Up!" I understand...
"I can't do it!" I've been there...
"I am lost!" That's ok...
Emotions of all kinds, the good and the not-so-good, are natural. Allow your kids to feel. Just make sure that after they say what they need to say, express their worries and get it off their chest you are there, caring and in their corner.
Take Care, Fellow Teachers.
~Dan.~
Contact me at getaheadlearning.info@gmail.com
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