I should be more focused.

So many times I’ve heard students say this, blaming themselves for being bored in class or not understanding the material. For some students, maybe being more focused is the solution, but for many other students, learning in a more engaging environment is a better solution. An environment where they can explore their own interests, where the connections between curriculum and their real lives is front and center, not hidden deep within textbook chapters, if it’s there at all.

Cognitive dissonance is what they’re experiencing. They’ve been told their whole lives that a “good student” sits still, gets good grades, and follows the rules, but they struggle to do that, so something must be wrong with them. Right? Even if they hate school everyday, it’s them that’s the problem not the environment. At least that’s what they come to believe after twelve years of schooling.

But who am I to convince them otherwise? I can’t go back and offer the younger version of them something different. There are minimal models of what else school could look like to show them that there could’ve been another way. School could’ve been a different experience.

It wasn’t that something was wrong with you. It’s that we, your teachers, didn’t know any better. Or, if we did, we were helpless ourselves to offer you anything different. Sorry :(

I hope you have better learning experiences going forward. Something that you enjoy. Something where you learn stuff that intrigues and excites you. Something that introduces you to new ideas and connects them back to stuff you already know and appreciate. Something that is understanding and patient if the rest of your life is falling apart. Yes, take a few days or even more time off if you need it. You won’t irreparably fall behind. We got you. We care about your whole life.

Maybe it’s not too late for you. Maybe your kids or younger siblings will have something better.

Sorry again…