The Power of Student Responsibility in Learning

As a student, it may seem like doing nothing in class doesn't harm anyone. However, this couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, one student's apathy and lack of engagement can easily destroy an entire class.

For instance, imagine a student who sits in the back of the class, quietly playing games on their phone. They're not bothering anyone, but if the teacher sees them, it can be demotivating. The teacher may start to feel like their efforts to engage and teach the class are going to waste if the students aren't interested.

As more and more students start to follow suit, the classroom environment can become toxic. The teacher may feel like they need to create a more restrictive environment to prevent cheating or slacking off, which can make things worse by making the good students become discouraged because they did not deserve such a treatment.

On the other hand, when all students are participating and engaged in class, the teacher can be inspired to give their best. Even if a student isn't doing well in understanding the subject taught, their participation can make a difference. The teacher may feel energized and more willing to put in extra effort to help the student understand.

It's important to understand that students have a responsibility to create a positive classroom environment. By actively engaging in class and being respectful of the teacher and their peers, students can make a significant difference in the quality of education they receive. In contrast, even just one disengaged student can bring down the entire class, leading to a negative learning experience for everyone involved.

I want to believe that if at least one student is paying attention, it is still worth putting in the effort to teach them. However, it can be incredibly demotivating to teach in an environment where the majority of students are disengaged or uninterested. Teaching is a two-way street, and the teacher needs the active participation and engagement of their students to effectively teach the material. While teaching to one engaged student may seem worthwhile, it is difficult to maintain the motivation and energy required to do so in a classroom where most students are disinterested. Therefore, it is essential to create a positive learning environment where all students are engaged, motivated, and willing to participate actively in their education.

Undoubtedly, a good teacher can make a significant difference in the classroom by creating an engaging and supportive learning environment. However, even the best teacher cannot force a disinterested student to be interested in class. Students must take responsibility for their education and recognize the importance of active participation and engagement in the classroom. A teacher can only provide the tools and resources for learning, but it is up to the student to utilize them effectively. It is essential for students to understand that they have a vital role to play in their own education, and they must be willing to do their part to make the most out of their learning opportunities.

While having a good teacher is undoubtedly beneficial, it is not always a guarantee for successful learning. On the other hand, having a bad teacher does not necessarily mean that learning cannot take place. Students have the power to take control of their own learning and seek out resources to supplement their education, even if their teacher is ineffective. With the wealth of technology and educational resources available today, there are few excuses for not learning if a student is truly motivated. There are online courses, educational videos, and other resources (books) that can be accessed from anywhere at any time, allowing students to learn at their own pace and on their own terms. While a good teacher can facilitate learning and provide guidance, ultimately, it is up to the student to take responsibility for their own education and make the most out of the resources available to them.

It is important to clarify that the intention of the previous paragraphs was not to provide an excuse for bad teaching or to shift blame away from teachers. Good teaching is crucial for creating a positive and effective learning environment, and it is the responsibility of teachers to do their best to engage and inspire their students. However, it is equally important for students to recognize that they have a significant role to play in their own education and should not solely rely on their teachers to learn. The purpose of this discussion was to emphasize the importance of personal accountability and to encourage students to take an active role in their education. Ultimately, success in education and in life is determined by one's own efforts and choices, and it is up to each individual to take ownership of their own destiny.

In conclusion, as a student, it's crucial to understand that your actions have consequences. By actively participating in class and being respectful of others, you can create a positive learning environment that benefits everyone. However, if you choose to be apathetic and disengaged, you can easily destroy the class and ruin the learning experience for yourself and your peers.

Article by Marcelo Gameiro

Published 09 Mar 2023

https://mgameirollc.uteach.io/blog/the-power-of-student-responsibility-in-learning