The Heart of The Matter
December 14, 2009
Unbelievable as it may sound, every year, nearly one third of all the high school students in this country, drop out. Our educational system has a massive leak and it’s filling our cities, towns and neighborhoods with those who are likely to: be unemployed, receive public assistance or be involved with crime. And here’s the sad part, we don’t understand the human condition well enough to fix it.
For example, in the report, The Silent Epidemic that was prepared for the, “Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation,” boredom and being uninspired were listed as the two primary reasons why students drop out of school.
Whether it’s reading a book, watching a movie, hanging out with a friend or being a student, we want to be engaged. We want that connection and when it’s not there, our minds wander.
So what steps can teachers take in order to make that connection?
- Explain the co-active role students will play in creating educational moments.
- Communicate the goal of each class before instruction begins.
- Ask open ended, thought provoking questions that support the goal and its underlying principles.
- Stimulate the hopes and dreams of their students.
- Link the subject matter to a student’s interests.
- Celebrate a student’s progress.
Educators’ impact lives. You never know when a word, a phrase or a look, becomes that invisible spark that motivates a student to complete their education and go on to do wondrous things.
If we are nibble enough to capture a student’s heart, there is a good chance, their diploma will follow.
