September 25th, 2024
There’s no doubt that the conversation around underfunded and under-resourced schools is essential. But when we dwell too long on the shortcomings of the educational system, it’s easy for our kids to feel discouraged. This focus on what’s lacking in their environment can strip away their motivation and drive. While it's crucial to acknowledge these barriers, the real power comes from shifting the conversation toward what students can control—their learning strategies and mindset.
Facing Reality: Yes, the System Is Flawed—But Students Can Still Succeed
It’s true that schools with overcrowded classrooms, overworked teachers, and limited resources create obstacles. And yes, there are efforts we should all support to improve the quality of education. But when it comes to the students sitting in front of us right now, they don’t have the luxury of waiting for those improvements. They need to know that their efforts matter, that there are ways to thrive despite the challenges.
Metacognitive Awareness: The Key to Student Empowerment
One of the most transformative shifts for students is learning how to drive their own learning process. This is where metacognitive awareness comes in. When students understand how they learn, they can start to take ownership of their education. They no longer feel at the mercy of the “quality” of teaching or resources available. Instead, they become active participants in their academic journey, recognizing how their strategies and effort can directly impact their success.
Science and Math Notebooks: A Practical Tool for Self-Reflection
One of the strategies I often recommend for this matacognitive learning is keeping science and math notebooks. These aren’t just for recording equations or facts; they’re tools for tracking learning progress. I recommend handwritten math and science work - even when assignments are largely done on digital platforms, most math and science work requires “showing some work” with pen to paper, and keeping a physical notebook means keeping a record of that learning in one physical place. By regularly reflecting on what they’ve learned, identifying what confuses them, and noting where they’ve succeeded, students are practicing metacognition in a real, tangible way.
As students keep a record of their learning progress in these notebooks, they can see growth over time. For students in under-resourced schools, this practice can be especially empowering. It’s a daily reminder that they are capable of learning and growing, even when external resources might be lacking.
Shifting the Conversation: Moving from Challenges to Solutions
I’ll admit, I’ve been guilty of talking about students' classes in a way that may undermine their sense of agency. It’s easy to vent about the challenges of large classrooms or overburdened teachers. However, the bulk of the conversation with a student shouldn’t focus on what’s broken; it should focus on what students can do to overcome those barriers.
Yes, it’s okay to acknowledge that learning in a packed classroom with an exhausted teacher is tough. But that needs to be followed up with practical, actionable strategies. For example, what can students do when they feel lost in a crowded classroom? How can they use resources outside the classroom to deepen their understanding? How can they advocate for themselves to get the help they need? How can they build a relationship with their teacher that allows their teacher to get to know them as a human and more deeply understand what they need?
Accountability: The Key to Long-Term Success
While we focus on empowering students to take control of their own learning, accountability plays an equally important role. I’ve seen situations where kids aren’t held accountable for not completing homework or studying, and when that happens, the message they receive is that their education isn’t their responsibility.
Accountability isn’t just about ensuring homework gets done—it’s about teaching students the value of personal responsibility and discipline. When students face consequences for not meeting their obligations, they learn that their actions have an impact. Without this, they miss out on critical lessons in self-management and resilience.
Children also must be held accountable for their behavior in the classroom, even if a classroom environment isn’t the most conducive to learning. While advocating for your child is important, it’s equally crucial to teach them to take responsibility for their individual actions and understand how their behavior affects others. Encouraging accountability helps students develop the social and emotional skills they need to manage conflict in imperfect situations.
Conclusion: The Power of Student Agency
While we continue to chip away at improving the systemic issues in education, we need to empower students with the tools to succeed right now, and hold them accountable to implementing those strategies. Focusing too much on the problems can unintentionally lead to students feeling powerless. Instead, let’s guide them toward becoming the drivers of their own learning.