Apathy is “an expression of indifference, lethargy, and/or disengagement in the classroom environment.” This is according to the dictionary’s definition. It is prevalent in students in various learning environments. It is prevalent in a challenging environment and in a low-skill level classroom environment.
Student apathy is because of a lack of interest in academics, low attendance, incomplete assignments and tests, and refusal to explore problem-solving activities. Apathetic students feel learning is a burden. They are unmotivated.
A lack of enthusiasm is not a disease. It is an approach to life that one chooses by outside factors. Outside factors that influence a student’s attitude toward school are parents or peers. Other influencers are the lack 0f skills needed to be successful. Thus, students lack priority over assignments or attendance. However, a student’s outlook changes through encouragement.
Apathy of Family
The family environment must encourage school and learning. Otherwise, it leads students to think that it is unexciting to take part in activities that develop academic challenges. To change an apathetic attitude, various strategies need to be employed.
- Students need classroom or school tasks. Simple tasks teach accountability.
- Celebrate a student’s success no matter how little.
- Relevance in content is important. Therefore, explain why the content is important.
- Demonstrate a positive attitude. Students need to see rather than be told.
- Fairness and consistency are important. Unfair actions cause more apathy.
- Give students a voice and empower them in the classroom.
- Listen to and understand students.
- Don’t push. Students eventually let go of apathy with consistency. Don’t give up.
There are new ways to motivate students and give them a meaningful experience for learning. Motivation is contagious. Students can feel the motivation, or lack of it, from the teacher. An enthusiastic teacher will increase the student’s interest in the lesson or assignment.
However, apathy is also contagious. An unenthusiastic teacher will decrease interest in lessons. Thus, teachers need to create lessons they themselves are excited to present. It is difficult for students to stay motivated when there is no connection to their lives. Discover one thing that interests the student and use it as a starting point.
