Often, in my practice, I have had students who are indifferent to studies and parents who are vexed with this approach. Many times, the students have held good academic pursuits in their lower grades
Here are a few things that might contribute to the loos of interest in studies
- Lower grades, good grades – Parents often cite that student was good in their pre primary, primary especially during their 4th grade. It is to be noted that the syllabus was much friendly during pre primary and students loved the play way method. As the education methodology firms up, the transition from grade 4 to grade 5 gets tough.
Here students are also expected to do self study, add projects and group studies for presentation. Here we compare the student with his or her own self and that creates a lack of confidence.
- Undiagnosed Learning difficulty – The area of learning difficult still has a stigma wherein parents feel that the child may lose out in the long run. Here it is to be understood that learning difficulty needs to be assessed by a certified professional and accordingly concessions are given by the school.
It does not mean that the IQ of the child is necessary low and they have different abilities which will pave a career path.
- Relevance of the subjects in real life –
Once a student who did not like math mentioned, “ How will this math help me if am lost in a forest?”
Thus, we need to foster logical as well as creative aspects in a student and it is not essential to be a maverick. Gentle guidance and following the methodology is important.
4.Pressure – The fear of failure and the immense pressure from the environment to thrive makes the survival difficult for students who are hustling from school hours, coaching classes, entrance exam preps and hobbies.
This leaves the student confused with no time to relax. Moreover, the pressure to score the coveted percentage reduces the interest to perform.
5. Distractions – They include several things like social media, puberty peer pressure, online gaming, family events, and excessive mobile usage. All this results in poor time management skills and excessive load of incomplete submissions.
5. Student well-being – The student who has sports acumen suddenly attends back to back study related sessions. An exponent in dance abruptly stops the practice! Being unheard, compared and also low self-esteem leads to lack of interest in studies as it does not motivate them.
Though the above is only an insight of why students do not study or perform well, it is good to seek counselling at the right time (not as the board exam is near). It highly benefits if parents too attend counselling sessions.
