As a student, it can be tempting to equate being busy with being productive. High school students, in particular, have a lot on their plates – between schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and social obligations, it can feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done. However, it’s important to remember that simply being busy doesn’t necessarily equate to achievement.

In this blog post, we’ll explore why high school students should seek to avoid mistaking busywork with learning. And we’ll provide some research-backed tips for how to stay focused on what really matters.

To begin, it’s worth noting that not all activity is created equal. In the context of high school, there are certain types of activity that are more likely to lead to genuine learning and achievement than others. For example, completing a well-researched paper or engaging in a thoughtful class discussion can be incredibly valuable in terms of developing critical thinking skills and deepening one’s understanding of a given subject. On the other hand, simply going through the motions of homework (e.g., copying answers on homework) or attending meetings for clubs you’re not really interested in might feel productive in the moment, but ultimately won’t do much to help you grow academically or personally. It’s window dressing for the college application or your Facebook page.

Why High Schoolers Conflate Activity with Achievement

One reason why students might be prone to conflating activity with achievement is because of the way our education system is structured. From a young age, we’re taught to value busyness and productivity above all else. Standardized tests and grades are often seen as the ultimate measure of success, and extracurricular activities are heavily emphasized as a way to boost college applications. While there’s certainly value in working hard and pursuing one’s passions, this emphasis on busyness can also create a culture where students feel pressure to constantly be doing something, even if that something isn’t particularly meaningful or productive.

Research supports the idea that simply being busy isn’t enough to promote genuine learning and achievement. For example, a 2014 study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology found that students who engaged in more “active learning” strategies – such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and class discussions – tended to perform better academically than those who simply listened to lectures or completed rote assignments. Similarly, a 2012 report from the National Bureau of Economic Research found that students who participated in extracurricular activities — that they were truly passionate about — tended to have higher academic achievement and were more likely to attend college than those who participated in activities solely for the sake of padding their resumes.

Pointers

So, what can high school students do to avoid conflating activity with achievement? Here are a few tips:

1. Prioritize quality over quantity. Instead of trying to do everything, focus on doing a few things really well. This might mean choosing one or two extracurricular activities that truly align with your interests and passions, rather than signing up for a dozen clubs just to look impressive on your college applications.
2. Seek out active learning opportunities. Look for ways to engage with your coursework in a meaningful way – this might include participating in class discussions, working on group projects, or conducting independent research.
3. Be mindful of your goals. Ask yourself: what am I hoping to achieve by participating in this activity? If the answer is simply “to look good on paper,” it might be worth reconsidering whether that activity is really worth your time and energy.
4. Give yourself permission to take breaks. Remember that downtime is important for both your academic and personal well-being. Don’t feel guilty about taking a night off to relax with friends or catch up on your favorite TV show – in the long run, it’ll help you stay focused and productive

In conclusion, while it’s natural to want to stay busy and feel productive, it’s important for high school students to recognize that not all activity is created equal. By prioritizing quality over quantity, seeking out active learning opportunities, being mindful of goals, and giving themselves permission to take breaks, students can avoid conflating activity with achievement and focus on what really matters – genuine learning and personal growth.

Until next time…

Remember that success is a planned event. Believe in yourself.

Pay attention, do the work, and don’t give up!

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