A perspective on why school matters

Students sometimes ask their parents (and sometimes their tutors) why the information they learn in school matters so much. They argue they will not even use half the information that they learn in school, so why should they work so hard at learning the stuff?

Students who ask these questions are normally frustrated, usually because they are not performing well in a subject or two that are seen as essential to development in school. Many teachers and parents claim that if a student doesn't do well in certain school subjects, then he/she will not be successful. This generalization, like most generalizations, is inaccurate and unproductive when talking to teens or adolescents. Fear doesn't usually motivate students who are defiant.

The answers we give, as tutors, tends to be practical in nature. We might say, "Look, this is the way the system is. Maybe it should be different, maybe you are right. But the fact is, life will be a lot easier for you if you play by the rules that are laid down. You don't have to agree. Just apply yourself and get over the obstacles in front of you. Soon enough, your school years will be over and you will be on with your life. Would you rather spend these years fighting with parents and teachers and counselors, or doing your work and spending the rest of your time relaxing?"

When put in these terms, students usually get it. It says to them, "It is OK to disagree. I don't have to believe it, I just have to do it. And find the silver lining in doing it--even if the silver lining is putting it behind me as fast as possible. And, hey, this tutor (parent, teacher, friend, other support person) can help me!"

The silver lining is important. After all, kids are supposed to have fun too. And this skill will be useful throughout life. Finding the positive aspects in elements of life in which those aspects are not readily apparent is a skill that keeps you on an even, and happy, keel no matter what life throws at you.