A recent survey by the Pew Research Center found that nearly half of the teachers polled say that students showing little to no interest in learning is a “major problem” in their classrooms, according to a report in Education Week.
Potential reasons behind student apathy and disengagement include mental health issues, family problems, troubled peer relationships, and academic difficulties. Teachers can’t always solve the problem, but knowing what apathy looks like in the classroom and some contributing factors can help teachers support students.
Signs of apathy include: 1) low energy levels; 2) minimal effort; 3) lack of motivation; 4) reduced participation; 5) difficulty completing tasks; 6) unemotional response to both positive and negative events; and 7) frequent absenteeism.
More than nine in ten school health workers say they’ve seen an increase in students with anxiety since 2019, according to an EdWeek Research Center survey conducted in March 2023.
Potential underlying factors of anxiety: 1) depression; 2) lack of sleep; 3) undiagnosed learning challenges; 4) trauma; 5) mental health conditions; 6) nutrition; 7) drug or alcohol abuse; 8) underlying family or personal issues; 9) troubled peer relationships; and 10) academic rigor is too much or too little.
By understanding the causes of apathy, educators can provide targeted support and interventions to address individual needs.
Here are strategies to help students:
- Connect with students as individuals. Students who feel supported and have a sense of belonging are more likely to engage in the classroom.
- Integrate students’ interests into class discussions so lessons feel relevant. Allow students to create videos, podcasts, or other artistic endeavors to encourage imagination and freshness in the learning process.
- Give students a voice and a choice. Let them pick books or topics for an assignment or have them develop the class behavior rules.
- Give students responsibilities. Have them greet their peers in the morning, for instance. Create opportunities to help them feel valued, active, and interactive with peers.
- Nurture a growth mindset. Help students believe that with effort and perseverance they can overcome academic and other obstacles.
- Be a positive role model. Showing respect by saying “please,” “thank you,” and “I see your hard work” are powerful boosters.
Education Week
