You know, as a teacher I'm always trying to understand the motivation behind my students' desire to learn or lack thereof. Even after 10 years of teaching, I still haven't figured it out. Students are different every year. Perhaps I'll never have it figured out. Oh well.
Some students come to school every day prepared to learn. They've done their homework, they have all of their materials, they are ready. Others "forget" their homework (translated: they didn't do it), have only a pencil that breaks so they can't use it, or don't have their books or other supplies.
I know that kids will be kids, but come on! I have eighth grade students this year. Some of them are absolutely clueless. Some of them just don't care about education. Some of them have flunked all through middle school and are on the fast track to fail in the 8th grade. Perhaps it's because there are no consequences for them. They get bad grades and there are no consequences at home. The school can only do so much. First semester grades will determine their participation in 8th grade activities at the end of the year. Second semester grades will determine whether or not they culminate. At the end of the year, from what I've heard, a bunch of parents come to school crying and asking if there is something they can do so their child can culminate (never mind the fact that notes and phone calls have been made all school year, let alone progress reports every five weeks).
Perhaps I'm working too hard. I certainly seem to care more than my students do. I guess it is just my nature....
I definitely need to work smarter, not harder.
