Why go to school? your child needs to know

Website design By BotEap.comWhen students understand the connection between school and the larger world of future earnings, they do more homework!

Website design By BotEap.comIn a University of Michigan study of 600 high school students, it was found that when students were asked to consider what they wanted to do in the future before they were given homework, they were much more likely to do homework that night.

Website design By BotEap.comThe researchers also found that students who viewed college as part of their career path had up to Eight times more likely to do extra homework if they could get extra credit for it.

Website design By BotEap.comObviously, high school students can make the connection between schoolwork and future earnings, and they just need to be reminded of this connection to be more motivated to learn. With younger students, the connection may not be as obvious, but other connections can be made.

Website design By BotEap.comFor example, younger students may be told that if they want to be like one of their action heroes, they must work hard in school. Most (not all!) sports personalities are great role models for young children, often working in schools to encourage children to learn and do well.

Website design By BotEap.comBut how often do we make sure that children understand the connection between school and life? Too often, teachers and parents focus on short-term goals (the next test, the next learning benchmark) instead of giving kids the bigger picture of why they’re in school.

Website design By BotEap.comI used to ask children why they had to learn to read. The responses I got were amazing. Some children said they had to learn to read ‘because the teacher says so’, or because ‘my parents want me to’. He would spend his time telling them and showing them that the teachers didn’t make them learn to read for the sake of reading, but so that they could learn more and be smart enough to get a good job when they finished school. I remember that they were quite surprised and this new way of seeing the reason for learning to read and, as a result, most of them were more motivated to learn.

Website design By BotEap.comSo parents, if you want your child to work harder, to do more homework, make sure they understand the connection between school and the rest of the world. Point out what it takes to be successful in this world and what they must do to get there.

Website design By BotEap.comDo it gently, the future and the amount of work students have to do to secure their future can be daunting and you don’t want to scare them. Let your son know that even though the road may be long and sometimes difficult, you will always be there for him when he needs her help.

Website design By BotEap.comBut give them a very good reason to be in school, give them something to aspire to and the means to get there.

Website design By BotEap.comIsn’t that what we all need?