Introduction
According to the definition of the oxford American university, apathy means “lack of interest, enthusiasm or concern”. And this lack is usually regarding issues that carry significant importance in one’s life (Gelhar, 2006). One of the most fundamental and widely talked about the type of apathy is student apathy. Student apathy is generally associated with student’s lack of interest in academics, low attendance rates, missing exams, refusal to learn and explore, ignorance to penalties, no desire to cite their opinions, and little or no involvement in student activities (Chiasson, 2005). Students with this problem generally take learning as a burden instead of as a source of delight. They are not usually motivated to learn and exhibit a “don’t care” attitude.
Causes of Student Apathy
According to some apathy is not a disease but a mentality or an approach to life that one chooses for himself or is forced towards it due to external or internal factors. One of the reasons given for student apathy is the student’s interest in other social activities rather than their studies that are students have become more friends–centered, though some do argue that building relationships and socializing is necessary for personal survival.
Secondly, students become disinclined when they are forced to learn either by their parents or teachers. Many also believe that some students feel that they lack the skills required to be successful so they prefer not to give priority to their school work. (Gelhar, 2006) However, that is just a perception that can easily be changed through constant encouragement. Family background is one of the other main reasons for passiveness in students.
A home environment that does not encourage learning and exploration leads to children finding the learning experience as an unexciting activity and develop little capabilities to face academic challenges and ultimately are more affected by the failures (Lumsden, 1994). There are also people who blame media for this type of behavior among students. The horrific images of poverty, crime, and wars have led to students having little or no expectations about a bright future (Gallozzi, n.d). This is one of the most important underlying factors for the lack of motivation among students.
Solution and Conclusion
Since student apathy is not really a problem but a behavior that can easily be changed if tackled properly. Firstly the learning environment should be such that values everyone’s opinions and ideas and there must be more focus on short-term goals that are easily achievable (Lumsden, 1994).
This is because students of today’s fast-paced world tend to favor things that provide them with quick benefits. Learning should not be purely theoretical but more practical so the students shall feel to be a part of it. Moreover, teachers and parents should ensure that the fear of failure among students is eliminated by helping them find solutions and alternatives to their mistakes so that they do not attribute their failure to the lack of skills. Besides that regular counseling and talking with students personally will help to some extent.
Telling students and making them realize that their present actions will affect their future prospects is enough for moving them away from apathetic behavior (Gelhar, 2006). Therefore it’s all about internally motivating students and help them find their inner abilities, appreciating their contributions, and providing them with solutions for maintaining a balance between their personal and academic life.
References
Chiasson, C. “STUDENT APATHY: IS IT REALITY OR JUST A PERCEPTION?” UNB Perspectives. 2005. University of New Brunswick. Web.
Gallozzi, C. “Meaning of Apathy.” 2005. Web.
Gelhar, A. “Waging war on student apathy: OASD searches for answers as stakes of failure skyrocket.” The Oshkosh West Index. 2006. Oshkosh West High School. Web.
Lumsden, Linda S. “Student Motivation to Learn.” ERIC Digest, Number 92. 94. ERIC Clearinghouse on Educational Management. Web.