Poor student attitudes and apathy in the classroom is a problem that every teacher faces. However, these obstacles are not insurmountable. There are 4 steps a teacher can take to combat these attitudes:
1. The teacher must pique student interest.
2. The teacher should encourage participation in student organizations.
3. The teacher should understand the background of each individual student.
4. The teacher should always teach in a professional manner.
"Find the hook" – Pique student interest
Teach Charismatically This article by Bridget Murray of Monitor on Psychology, "Charismatic Teacher = Energized Students", explores how educators can liven their teaching methods to energies student participation.
Encourage participation in Student Organizations
Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO's) are recognized as integral to the career and technical education program. CTSO's provide a unique program of career and leadership development, motivation and recognition exclusively for middle/junior high and secondary students enrolled in career and technical programs.
DECA - Marketing Education student organization
FBLA - Future Business Leaders of America, Business Education
FCCLA - Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, Human Services – Family & Consumer Science
FFA - Agricultural Education student organization
HOSA - Health Occupations Students of America
SKILLSUSA-VICA - Industrial Teacher Education student organization
TSA - Technology Student Association
Get to know your students background and what their family life is like
Teachers Involve Parents in School Work This site is devoted to parental involvement in their child's education. It informs teachers how to encourage students to involve their parents in class work.
Teach in a professional manner
What Excludes Students? Teach Inclusively. The Washington State Department of Education discusses how students can be negatively affected when they are made to feel unwelcome in their classroom.