Hello, I’m a high school language teacher at an independent school, where tuition exceeds $60,000 annually. I’ve also taught in public schools. I’ve noticed a worrying trend where students procrastinate more and only do the bare minimum to achieve an A. They seem to rely heavily on technology, using apps for nearly everything, from language translation to solving complex calculus problems. This reliance on instant solutions even extends to their approach to grades, with many inquiring at the last minute how they can bump their grades up. What are your experiences? Do you observe similar attitudes where you teach?
I agree that many students seem disengaged, but this might be due to how our educational system is structured—focused more on grades than learning. Our society emphasizes monetary success over genuine achievement, and many students grow up in a world where they see the rich thrive regardless of their ethics. Additionally, the pervasive influence of technology and the widening wealth gap only exacerbate these attitudes. I’ve been teaching at the university level for five years and see this across the board.
@Jean
You’ve nailed it. The educational system often fails to accommodate genuine learning and instead prioritizes grading metrics that don’t encourage real intellectual growth. The lack of empathy and overwhelming information from digital platforms also diminish students’ engagement with learning. It’s a systemic issue that extends beyond the classroom.
@Luchivya
Exactly, the constant digital bombardment has desensitized students to real-world issues, making it hard for them to engage deeply with any topic. As educators, we’re fighting an uphill battle against these trends, but recognizing the problem is a step towards addressing it.
@Jean
I’ve been teaching high school for 20 years, and there’s definitely a shift in student attitudes. The focus on grades rather than learning is a significant change from previous generations.
Danielle said:
@Jean
I’ve been teaching high school for 20 years, and there’s definitely a shift in student attitudes. The focus on grades rather than learning is a significant change from previous generations.
It’s reassuring to hear others have noticed this too. It feels like a rapid change, and adapting to these new attitudes is a challenge for anyone in education.
@Jean
This perspective needs more visibility. As a recent college graduate, I witnessed the intense pressure on grades over learning. It’s disheartening that this mindset pervades all levels of education.
@TeachTalker3
Indeed, the emphasis has shifted dramatically towards achieving high grades at the expense of actual learning. This trend is concerning for the future of education and needs to be addressed.
The common question I get is, ‘What can I do to get an A?’ There’s a lack of critical thinking; students want straightforward answers without engaging deeply with the material. Even basic tasks like writing without errors seem challenging for them.
@Unclewaffles
The educational system seems to reward the pursuit of grades over the process of learning, which is a disservice to our students’ development.
@Unclewaffles
Students often ask for the bare minimum required to improve their grades, not understanding that education is more about learning than just fulfilling requirements.
Washington said:
@Unclewaffles
Students often ask for the bare minimum required to improve their grades, not understanding that education is more about learning than just fulfilling requirements.
It’s frustrating to see students more focused on grades than learning. The educational system needs to reinforce the value of knowledge over scores.
Washington said:
@Unclewaffles
Students often ask for the bare minimum required to improve their grades, not understanding that education is more about learning than just fulfilling requirements.
I’ve noticed a similar trend in my teaching. There’s a need for a shift back to valuing education for education’s sake rather than just a stepping stone to higher grades.
While many students seem disinterested, there are still those who genuinely care about their education and show respect to their teachers. It’s important to acknowledge and support these students.
The disillusionment among students is palpable. They see education merely as a means to an end—securing a job, rather than a valuable journey in itself. This shift in perspective affects their engagement and care for learning.
Why should students care when they see little correlation between effort and success in the real world? The system seems rigged against genuine effort and rewards superficial achievements.
Taking shortcuts isn’t a new trend; it’s just that today’s tools like apps and AI make it easier. Students have always looked for the easiest path, but now technology amplifies this tendency.
The educational system’s over-reliance on technology and rubrics has shifted focus from learning to mere transactional exchanges between students and teachers.
Students prioritize courses with easier grading over those that challenge them to learn and think critically. This trend reflects a broader shift in educational values.
The attitudes of students haven’t drastically changed; it’s the methods and tools that have evolved. We need to adapt our teaching strategies to meet these new challenges without compromising educational integrity.