PAY ATTENTION
Education is a two-way street. Teachers teach; learners learn. Teaching and learning are both verbs. They’re something we do, not something that happens to us. You don’t catch learning from someone like the flu or a cold.
Einstein could juggle chainsaws in front of a classroom of potential learners. But the disengaged student (e.g., on their phone, sleeping, etc.) will not learn. Of course teachers try not to be boring. But we aren’t entertainers, not to mention we’re constrained by our curricula. And sometimes, lecture is the only way to convey all the necessary content. So an individual who tunes out can’t blame the highly qualified teacher. That excuse is intellectually dishonest.
Learning requires cognitive engagement. Cognitive engagement is also called sustained attention or paying attention. It is the first executive function skill needed to on the road to Awesome.
Staying focused can be tough, but it’s always worth it. No place worth going is easy to get to. During the pandemic, I saw too many students just logging in, and that’s it! As if the logging into the Zoom or Meet was somehow the equivalent of learning. That’s like buying a gym membership, just driving past that gym, and wondering why you’re not getting in shape.
The student is responsible for bringing the motivation to the classroom. And when the student is ready, the teacher appears.
Remember that success is a planned event. Believe in yourself.
Pay attention, do the work, and don’t give up!
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