Year 9 Homework

It feels pretty easy! I went to a youth centre to help out a Year 9 student doing her geography assignment. It's part of a Lend Lease initiative to assist with the youth in the Miller's Point district. The instructions are quite clear, there are a lot of tips and guidance to help you with the assignment...ah to be back in Year 9 again!

However, what is depressing is the amount of apathy that this Year 9 student showed. The assignment was late already, but it was just like she didn't give a fuck. It was a lot of effort to just get to concentrate on looking at some web sites, to search around for some information. Every little distraction would cause her to focus elsewhere.
My admiration of social workers has increased tremendously. It's so hard to stay enthusiastic and to work out the amount of pushing you can do to these kids before they totally turn off you.

Apparently I might have some skill in this area. The student was willing to at least stay in the room for the whole hour, instead of just walking off, which she's done before. Maybe it was my random swearing that kept her attention :)
However, you do have this want to keep helping and trying. Maybe one day they might be inwardly motivated, instead of having to rely on external shoving to get shit done.

Where do kids get their motivation these days?

Damn! three cheap calls already:

Well hang in there...it's pretty difficult and can be frustrating at times. It's just that kids at that age don't see that by not making an effort now, it'll impact on their future (I don't really blame them 'cos I was like that too back then!). I face the same thing with my 11 and 12-year-old student.
dsd (link) - 04 November '04 - 20:46

You do what you can you know? It's good you're getting out there and helping kids; you just have to remember that you can't help EVERYone, as frustrating as that may be.

As for motivation, who knows? Probably from some reality TV show; now THERE'S an opportunity waiting to happen :)
ricegrains (link) - 07 November '04 - 02:45

When I was teaching I realised that you get attention from your students by connecting with them or their level. If that fails, try flashing your tackle. It will at teh very least get their attention (but may also land you in jail.)
Dre - 09 November '04 - 13:38