Sometimes it seems like school can be a drag and the biggest waste of time for students. Either they’re stuck and aren’t learning much, or they’re just not motivated to do anything anymore. The idea that some students are “unteachable” is an opinion growing among educators and students alike, but because of the advancement of technology and an ever-changing society, the idea of education and learning has evolved just as well.
It’s a mistake to think that “being unteachable” is a reality, it’s often just an attitude towards students and educators about people’s ability to learn. The stigma behind “being unteachable” should be changed and the culture around it should adapt, just as education has over the years.
What does it mean to be unteachable?
The idea of being unteachable ranges from students achieving poor grades, being unmotivated to do any type of work in-school or out-school work, or simply being undisciplined. Students feel like the effort they put in school does not make a difference in their progress, a feeling that students have when they can’t understand certain topics or fail an exam. Teachers and educators cannot provide them the motivation nor the answers to make them feel different, so the students drag their feet and become difficult to handle.
What affects the ability to learn?
Basically, the signs of being unteachable are linked to behavioral problems and issues. Teachers experience them with preschoolers and even high-schoolers. Professors experience it with university students just as well. This presents some difficulties in learning and presents the idea of not being able to learn effectively.
This is also due to environmental stress – stress induced by their home and school environment. Some students focus less in school because they are worried about situations at home – their psychology is heavily affected by these circumstances. This is why there is such a heavy emphasis on improving school conditions and materials, as they are a large part in how students progress in certain environments.
Sometimes this learning disability is caused by teachers and schools as well. A strict teacher that creates stress in the classroom can prove to be quite a difficult thing for students to handle, so students become disinterested and unmotivated in school. It’s important for teachers to understand their students as well – in order to properly teach them.
Can anyone be “unteachable?”
Being unteachable isn’t about a certain learning style or curriculum that student’s aren’t able to learn in. Unteachable is a mindset that educators feel like students are too difficult to handle and therefore become “unteachable” in which students often feel this sentiment as well. Anyone could be subject to “being unteachable,” it’s just a matter of mentality of both the student and the teacher.
Isn’t everyone “teachable?”
If not everyone is “unteachable” does that make everyone “teachable?” To an extent, this is true. To measure this, traditionally we look at grades and marks to determine if students are actually learning materials. Assessments like tests and exams also help us determine whether they are progressing or not. The problem with assessments like this, is that not everyone does well with these formal assessments. The idea of being teachable is to show the progress from one point to another – and learning is measured in this way. If you’re feeling like you’re not progressing, you should approach someone and ask for their opinion so you can have a better idea if you’re actually learning or not.
How to overcome “being unteachable”
If you feel like you’re “unteachable” for whatever reason, you’re not alone. But the honest truth is that there is no such thing as “being unteachable.” Anyone can be taught and anyone can learn and progress. Finding the right way or the way that works for you is the most important part of your education.
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Change the methods of learning
Feeling stuck, you can try other ways of retaining and learning information to make some progress. Experiment with visual learning, audio learning, and even static learning by reading and regurgitating the information. Sometimes a different method of learning is all a student needs to feel like they are learning and progressing. Games are a fun way to engage and make students focus. Watching videos simplify information which can help people understand easier. Learning is fluid and everyone is different, so being flexible is a way to address the situation.
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Change your environment
As mentioned before, the environment makes a huge impact on someone’s behavior and in turn, on their education. Surrounding yourself with good friends, and a positive environment will affect your mood and make learning a bit easier. Having other friends that don’t take education seriously will drag you down, and change your behaviors as well. Even little things like having a clean workspace or a quiet place to study makes all the difference. If you’re an educator, make sure you create a warm and nurturing environment in your classroom.
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Ask for support
Lots of unmotivated students tend to try and do things on their own, because they think no one is there to help. Teachers care about the progress of their students, even if the students don’t think so. Asking for help is usually seen as a sign of weakness, but in fact, it is one of the most useful things students can do to progress and learn. Whether it’s asking your teacher or your peers for help, or even asking your parents or the internet for help, learning can come from many different sources.
If you’re struggling with motivation or think you’re “unteachable” there are plenty of resources to consult. Your college courses can be difficult, but Assignment Expert can help you understand even the most difficult materials. We’ve got experts in all different subjects and specializations, and we offer a range of services like tutors or assignment help that students can use to complete their work.
