Nowadays teenagers seem to be incapable of setting their priorities rationally. They resemble Esaú, the hunter, and Kane, the businessman, in the sense that they apparently know what their aim is. However, teenagers, unlike Esaú and Kane, are not willing to make sacrifices to achieve their goals.
In my experience, youngsters know exactly where to head for, but the slightest idea of having to work hard or making sacrifices puts them off at once. Most of them are used to getting what they want on the spot: the minute they study and behave properly, their parents reward them in the twinkling of an eye. I wonder why most teenagers don´t come to think that the reward in itself is the fact that they are getting better educated as they become grown-ups.
Now that I´m writing this, I come to the conclusion that parents and teachers should show teenagers that a means to an end is as important as the result in itself. Advise them if they are close to lose their track just because they consider the means is not worthwhile.
By Miriam Rodriguez
Chapter 4
In my experience, youngsters know exactly where to head for, but the slightest idea of having to work hard or making sacrifices puts them off at once. Most of them are used to getting what they want on the spot: the minute they study and behave properly, their parents reward them in the twinkling of an eye. I wonder why most teenagers don´t come to think that the reward in itself is the fact that they are getting better educated as they become grown-ups.
Now that I´m writing this, I come to the conclusion that parents and teachers should show teenagers that a means to an end is as important as the result in itself. Advise them if they are close to lose their track just because they consider the means is not worthwhile.
By Miriam Rodriguez
Chapter 4
5 comments:
I wouldn't say all teens depend on immediate gratification, Miriam... but i wouldn't hesitate to say this is what the media frequently encourages!
Have you watched Dangerous Minds"? That teacher faces exactly the challenge you discuss here: how to teach her class to go beyond concrete, immediate rewards... Of course, TV needs something that can be shown quickly, but we should help our learners see life is a lot larger than a TV studio!
Big hug,
Gladys
yes, i have watched that film. I agree with u it´s our aim to show our students the media is not right, but I´m simple saying it´s so difficult to compete with them! The media offers much more entertainment and in all cases learning is a painful process. dont u think?
Miriam
Right you are, Myriam! I wouldn't say the media "are not right", I'd say they frequently show just one part of the world... I guess to succeed parents and teachers need to form a strong alliance if they're to have any chance to succeed!!!
We'll be in touch!
Gladys
Perhaps the issue has to be tackled at an earlier stage, in childhood, I mean. This kind of values are deeply rooted, and take a long time to develop.
As teachers, we may make a point in this when teaching at all levels. Perhaps by helping students become aware of their achievements at the end of a lesson, a term, a year.
Many times we don't share the objectives we have with them (I'm thinking of children, too). If they had a clear perspective of what they have achieved I'm sure they woudl feel much more motivated to make an effort.
See you around
Natalia
Interesting contributions, Natalia! Interesting... In 2007, I heard David Gray chatting with Analía Kandel on the radio, making exactly this point about the importance of helping students become aware of their own achievements regularly... Pity the file's not available online, though!
Your point about how hard it's to change these beliefs reminded me of Carl Rogers' constructs (psychology)... Are you familiar with that theory?
Looking forward to reading more from you!
Gladys
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