Forums > Social Discussion > Why are teenagers lazy and apathetic thinkers?
Login/Join to ParticipateBRONZE Member
Watcher of 80s cartoons
665 posts
Location: Chepstow & Bristol, United Kingdom
Watcher of 80s cartoons
665 posts
Location: Chepstow & Bristol, United Kingdom
Posted:
I am getting sick to death of teenagers wanting everything to be done for them. Why do they not think for themselves? Why is that they think everything should be spoon fed to them as though they have none of their own opinions? Why do they not care about anything?
It was not so long ago that I was a teenager myself and I remember being interested in environmental issues, I had various hobbies, I enjoyed certain subjects etc. But more importantly I had my own opinions and so to did my fellow classmates. At the moment though it seems like the teenagers I am teaching have no concept of the world. They lack basic general knowledge and they seem to be incapable of linking one principle with another. They do not have basic arguing skills. Consequently I find them rather dull.
Are my frustrations due to a prescribed education administered in the schools they went to before they got to college? Is it somehow my fault? What the hell is up with these people? How on Earth are they going to survive if they don’t have basic communication skills?
Any teenagers who read this please start to think for yourselves if at present you are relying on others to do your thinking for you. If anyone has answers to these questions please let me know.
I am getting sick to death of teenagers wanting everything to be done for them. Why do they not think for themselves? Why is that they think everything should be spoon fed to them as though they have none of their own opinions? Why do they not care about anything?
It was not so long ago that I was a teenager myself and I remember being interested in environmental issues, I had various hobbies, I enjoyed certain subjects etc. But more importantly I had my own opinions and so to did my fellow classmates. At the moment though it seems like the teenagers I am teaching have no concept of the world. They lack basic general knowledge and they seem to be incapable of linking one principle with another. They do not have basic arguing skills. Consequently I find them rather dull.
Are my frustrations due to a prescribed education administered in the schools they went to before they got to college? Is it somehow my fault? What the hell is up with these people? How on Earth are they going to survive if they don’t have basic communication skills?
Any teenagers who read this please start to think for yourselves if at present you are relying on others to do your thinking for you. If anyone has answers to these questions please let me know.
>What do you think about the state of the Earth?
>I'm optimistic.
>So why do you look so sad?
>I'm not sure that my optimism is justified.
Internet Hate Machine
10,530 posts
Location: They seek him here, they seek him there...
10,530 posts
Location: They seek him here, they seek him there...
Posted:
Im not like those guys. I have opinions, and I argue about... stuff 
Not all teenagers are like the ones u described. These guys sound ignorant. Hand them a newspaper. Discuss with them why they dont communicate properly.
U might have to find a medium of communication that will intrigue them and interest them or motivate them.
If they carry on the way there going, they'll end up in the real world with a nasty suprise.
Im not like those guys. I have opinions, and I argue about... stuff Not all teenagers are like the ones u described. These guys sound ignorant. Hand them a newspaper. Discuss with them why they dont communicate properly.
U might have to find a medium of communication that will intrigue them and interest them or motivate them.
If they carry on the way there going, they'll end up in the real world with a nasty suprise.
The existance of flamethrowers says that someone, somewhere, at sometime said "I need to set that thing on fire, but it's too far away."
SILVER Member
Pooh-Bah
2,014 posts
Location: Galveston, TX, USA
Pooh-Bah
2,014 posts
Location: Galveston, TX, USA
Posted:
I don't think all the fault lies with the teenagers. Look at the news these days...it is filled with tales of war and less than pleasant outcomes. Who wants to constantly read stuff like that? I know several people that boycott the news because it gives them huge anxiety issues. It's no wonder teenagers choose to ignore such things.
The teenagers you are teaching may very well be able to think for themselves and know how to argue. Have you tried different approaches or changing topics to find something they are interested in? Maybe they have a different viewpoint from you and are afraid to voice their opinion? Maybe they'd rather not partake in such discussions simply because they don't know what they can personally do to change things? Maybe involving them in a group project that could do something good would get them motivated in the right direction?
I don't think all the fault lies with the teenagers. Look at the news these days...it is filled with tales of war and less than pleasant outcomes. Who wants to constantly read stuff like that? I know several people that boycott the news because it gives them huge anxiety issues. It's no wonder teenagers choose to ignore such things.
The teenagers you are teaching may very well be able to think for themselves and know how to argue. Have you tried different approaches or changing topics to find something they are interested in? Maybe they have a different viewpoint from you and are afraid to voice their opinion? Maybe they'd rather not partake in such discussions simply because they don't know what they can personally do to change things? Maybe involving them in a group project that could do something good would get them motivated in the right direction?
BRONZE Member
Watcher of 80s cartoons
665 posts
Location: Chepstow & Bristol, United Kingdom
Watcher of 80s cartoons
665 posts
Location: Chepstow & Bristol, United Kingdom
Posted:
I've tried all of that and one girl actually said "but I don't like participation - I just like to be told stuff"
I've even set up a website so that they can discuss issues online, access their course notes and store their work online so that it will be less intimidating for them - it’s so frustrating! I want them to have different viewpoints from me and argue but they do not engage. I've even managed to arrange trips so that they can produce a short video documentary but that seems like too much hard work for them. What else can I do?
- FRD - Glad to here that you can argue
I've tried all of that and one girl actually said "but I don't like participation - I just like to be told stuff"
I've even set up a website so that they can discuss issues online, access their course notes and store their work online so that it will be less intimidating for them - it’s so frustrating! I want them to have different viewpoints from me and argue but they do not engage. I've even managed to arrange trips so that they can produce a short video documentary but that seems like too much hard work for them. What else can I do?
- FRD - Glad to here that you can argue
>What do you think about the state of the Earth?
>I'm optimistic.
>So why do you look so sad?
>I'm not sure that my optimism is justified.
SILVER Member
Pooh-Bah
2,014 posts
Location: Galveston, TX, USA
Pooh-Bah
2,014 posts
Location: Galveston, TX, USA
Posted:
what do you teach? do you know what your students are majoring in? have you been firm with them and let them know that X% of their grade is from participation and X% is from projects? Do they care if they fail or do poorly in a class?
what do you teach? do you know what your students are majoring in? have you been firm with them and let them know that X% of their grade is from participation and X% is from projects? Do they care if they fail or do poorly in a class?
NYC
9,232 posts
Location: NYC, NY, USA
9,232 posts
Location: NYC, NY, USA
Posted:
There are some interesting biological answers to your questions actually. I don't know them so I won't post it as if I do... but studies of bloodflow to the brain and such kinda help me feel a bit less bitter about the teenage brain.
Keep in mind most teenagers grow up to be similar adults. Look at things like "voter turnout" or "volunteer work" other political factors to see that most adults aren't much different than teenagers.
There are some interesting biological answers to your questions actually. I don't know them so I won't post it as if I do... but studies of bloodflow to the brain and such kinda help me feel a bit less bitter about the teenage brain.
Keep in mind most teenagers grow up to be similar adults. Look at things like "voter turnout" or "volunteer work" other political factors to see that most adults aren't much different than teenagers.
Well, shall we go?
Yes, let's go.
[They do not move.]
BRONZE Member
Irish
525 posts
Location: Dallas.........ish, USA
Irish
525 posts
Location: Dallas.........ish, USA
Posted:
its mostly ignorance....as a teenager here im completely apalled(sp?) at how people in the states as a whole act...makes one feel as if they are living inside the belly of the playground bully...mostly i think the apathy comes from the lack of change methinks...how the system is structured we have no say in what goes on and become almost brainwashed and subservient to mass media.....
just my rambling 2cents
its mostly ignorance....as a teenager here im completely apalled(sp?) at how people in the states as a whole act...makes one feel as if they are living inside the belly of the playground bully...mostly i think the apathy comes from the lack of change methinks...how the system is structured we have no say in what goes on and become almost brainwashed and subservient to mass media.....
just my rambling 2cents
Jesus saves sinners and redeems them for cash and
prizes
Co-Founder of Keepers of Light
Educate yourself about the Hazards of Fire Breathing STAY SAFE!
GOLD Member
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted:
For the same reason that black people are all criminals. And Jews are all thieves. And muslims/arabs are all terrorists.
For the same reason that black people are all criminals. And Jews are all thieves. And muslims/arabs are all terrorists.
-Mike
Certified Mad Doctor and HoP High Priest of Nutella
A buckuht n a hooze! -Valura
SILVER Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,533 posts
Location: Hampshire College, MA, USA
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,533 posts
Location: Hampshire College, MA, USA
Posted:
i'd come up with a witty comeback, but i can't be bothered to think one up
i'd come up with a witty comeback, but i can't be bothered to think one up
-James
"How do you know if you're happy or sad without a mask? Or angry? Or ready for dessert?"
GOLD Member
Pirate Ninja
3,882 posts
Location: Galway/Ireland
Pirate Ninja
3,882 posts
Location: Galway/Ireland
Posted:
and all gay guys are succesful fire spinning doctors
Written by: LLiigghhttnniinngg
For the same reason that black people are all criminals. And Jews are all thieves. And muslims/arabs are all terrorists.
and all gay guys are succesful fire spinning doctors
Love is the law.
BRONZE Member
Irish
525 posts
Location: Dallas.........ish, USA
Irish
525 posts
Location: Dallas.........ish, USA
Posted:
hahahahahahahahahaha
hahahahahahahahahaha
Jesus saves sinners and redeems them for cash and
prizes
Co-Founder of Keepers of Light
Educate yourself about the Hazards of Fire Breathing STAY SAFE!
BRONZE Member
Watcher of 80s cartoons
665 posts
Location: Chepstow & Bristol, United Kingdom
Watcher of 80s cartoons
665 posts
Location: Chepstow & Bristol, United Kingdom
Posted:
I teach A-level Environmental Science, A-level Biology, BND Applied Science, GCSE Science, A-level Human Biology to students aged 16 onwards. Due to the nature of the A-level and GCSE courses they are only formally assessed through written coursework and exams so they could in theory go through their courses without participating in any of the work I set them and simply revise the topics and do the coursework. However, if they take this route they will not learn key life skills and should an exam question ask them to link one principle with another they will struggle.
"...For the same reason that black people are all criminals. And Jews are all thieves. And Muslims / Arabs are all terrorists..."
What's your point Lightning? I've deliberately missed out the word all from the title since I realise that not all teenagers fit into this category.
I teach A-level Environmental Science, A-level Biology, BND Applied Science, GCSE Science, A-level Human Biology to students aged 16 onwards. Due to the nature of the A-level and GCSE courses they are only formally assessed through written coursework and exams so they could in theory go through their courses without participating in any of the work I set them and simply revise the topics and do the coursework. However, if they take this route they will not learn key life skills and should an exam question ask them to link one principle with another they will struggle.
"...For the same reason that black people are all criminals. And Jews are all thieves. And Muslims / Arabs are all terrorists..."
What's your point Lightning? I've deliberately missed out the word all from the title since I realise that not all teenagers fit into this category.
>What do you think about the state of the Earth?
>I'm optimistic.
>So why do you look so sad?
>I'm not sure that my optimism is justified.
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,638 posts
Location: Brum / Dorset / Fairy Land
3,638 posts
Location: Brum / Dorset / Fairy Land
Posted:
ARGH!
What a stupid thing to say. To be fair if you edited the word 'adult' or 'pensioner' into your first post it would read just the same!
DOH!
You haven't made apoint - other than the fact that those are the people you are most in contact with through your teaching and are therefore the people you recognize this behaviour in the most.
WTF?
I'm with lightning on this one
( I'm a teenager btw - have been for a while. I am in no way lazy or apathetic in my thinking, or my reasons for my thinking, in my learning, or in the actions that come from the afore mentioned processes.)
ARGH!
What a stupid thing to say. To be fair if you edited the word 'adult' or 'pensioner' into your first post it would read just the same!
DOH!
You haven't made apoint - other than the fact that those are the people you are most in contact with through your teaching and are therefore the people you recognize this behaviour in the most.
WTF?
I'm with lightning on this one
( I'm a teenager btw - have been for a while.
I am in no way lazy or apathetic in my thinking, or my reasons for my thinking, in my learning, or in the actions that come from the afore mentioned processes.) Geologists do it in the dirt................ 
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,638 posts
Location: Brum / Dorset / Fairy Land
3,638 posts
Location: Brum / Dorset / Fairy Land
Posted:
On a side note - why don't teachers have better grammar? But then that's just me being fussy
On a side note - why don't teachers have better grammar? But then that's just me being fussy
Geologists do it in the dirt................
BRONZE Member
Still wiggling
5,967 posts
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland (UK)
Still wiggling
5,967 posts
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland (UK)
Posted:
Getting to the other side 
BRONZE Member
Watcher of 80s cartoons
665 posts
Location: Chepstow & Bristol, United Kingdom
Watcher of 80s cartoons
665 posts
Location: Chepstow & Bristol, United Kingdom
Posted:
"…those are the people you are most in contact with through your teaching and are therefore the people you recognize this behaviour in the most…"
Okay - I'd better be more specific then…
• I have taught in a few schools now and have noticed this as the average behaviour prevalent in British teenagers and I’m sorry to say that other teachers and people in education agree.
• The point is that for some reason the current 13-18 year olds in Britain do not seem to be independent thinkers – i.e. they need to be spoon fed information, they try to get by, by doing the bare minimum, have no concept that some effort now will result is less hard work latter in life.
I think that this is a result of the prescriptive nature of the curriculums used in schools. Due to the government all schools must follow the National Curriculum in all subjects taught in British schools. The benefit of this is that by the time students leave school and college they are on an even keel. However, due to government guide lines and schools sticking to the status quo the current 13-18 population are missing out on key skills. At present students are learning how to do exams. They are not adequately learning their subjects and nor are they learning important life skills, such as debating skills, research skills etc.
Yes – of course there are exceptions, but only with exceptional students. My concern is that if education does not change then we will end up with a general public who allow the government to dictate to them. And I already see the signs of this – in the late 80s the public got rid of the Pole Tax where as in the late 90s tuition fees and the abolition of grants occurred with minimal protest. If education does not change what else will the public allow the government to get away with?
"…those are the people you are most in contact with through your teaching and are therefore the people you recognize this behaviour in the most…"
Okay - I'd better be more specific then…
• I have taught in a few schools now and have noticed this as the average behaviour prevalent in British teenagers and I’m sorry to say that other teachers and people in education agree.
• The point is that for some reason the current 13-18 year olds in Britain do not seem to be independent thinkers – i.e. they need to be spoon fed information, they try to get by, by doing the bare minimum, have no concept that some effort now will result is less hard work latter in life.
I think that this is a result of the prescriptive nature of the curriculums used in schools. Due to the government all schools must follow the National Curriculum in all subjects taught in British schools. The benefit of this is that by the time students leave school and college they are on an even keel. However, due to government guide lines and schools sticking to the status quo the current 13-18 population are missing out on key skills. At present students are learning how to do exams. They are not adequately learning their subjects and nor are they learning important life skills, such as debating skills, research skills etc.
Yes – of course there are exceptions, but only with exceptional students. My concern is that if education does not change then we will end up with a general public who allow the government to dictate to them. And I already see the signs of this – in the late 80s the public got rid of the Pole Tax where as in the late 90s tuition fees and the abolition of grants occurred with minimal protest. If education does not change what else will the public allow the government to get away with?
>What do you think about the state of the Earth?
>I'm optimistic.
>So why do you look so sad?
>I'm not sure that my optimism is justified.
SILVER Member
Pooh-Bah
2,014 posts
Location: Galveston, TX, USA
Pooh-Bah
2,014 posts
Location: Galveston, TX, USA
Posted:
Gelfing, it sounds like these apathetic students are a product of your school system.
Since you mentioned an exam question that required them to link two concepts together, could you possibly make homework questions like that so that they can be required to think, but not in a test setting? This way, you could expose them to such questions in a setting that they wouldn't be punished for so much as if seeing it only on a test. Then, asking such a question on a test would be fair game and they would know the types of questions to expect?
If students sense that they can dumb you down, they will try their hardest to, so please, do keep challenging them. Are any of them interested in the topics you are discussing? If so, maybe try to bring those students out. If none of them are at all interested, then you are up against a very steep wall and I applaud you for trying.
Gelfing, it sounds like these apathetic students are a product of your school system.
Since you mentioned an exam question that required them to link two concepts together, could you possibly make homework questions like that so that they can be required to think, but not in a test setting? This way, you could expose them to such questions in a setting that they wouldn't be punished for so much as if seeing it only on a test. Then, asking such a question on a test would be fair game and they would know the types of questions to expect?
If students sense that they can dumb you down, they will try their hardest to, so please, do keep challenging them. Are any of them interested in the topics you are discussing? If so, maybe try to bring those students out. If none of them are at all interested, then you are up against a very steep wall and I applaud you for trying.
SILVER Member
addict
544 posts
Location: swansea, United Kingdom
addict
544 posts
Location: swansea, United Kingdom
Posted:
i know what ur saying Gelfing. i am a teenager but i a also a youth worker. i study hard at the moment. i live idepently, i am in the proceses of setting up my own organisation to benifit young people and helpo them voice there opinion to local and national athuratiys. i also play with fire alot (poi, staff, diablo) i am ONLY 18. i amt the age you are talking about but i am a minority i work with 16-25 years olds and yes most of the ones i deal with dont give a [censored] they just want as much as they can and want it now. but thats just MY GROUP. i can see from both sides of the coin. but i still have to agree with Gelfing most kids are like that today. NOT ALL JUST MOST.
i know what ur saying Gelfing. i am a teenager but i a also a youth worker. i study hard at the moment. i live idepently, i am in the proceses of setting up my own organisation to benifit young people and helpo them voice there opinion to local and national athuratiys. i also play with fire alot (poi, staff, diablo) i am ONLY 18. i amt the age you are talking about but i am a minority i work with 16-25 years olds and yes most of the ones i deal with dont give a [censored] they just want as much as they can and want it now. but thats just MY GROUP. i can see from both sides of the coin. but i still have to agree with Gelfing most kids are like that today. NOT ALL JUST MOST.
DONT DO DRUGS THERE BAD FOR YOU.
SO GIVE THEM ALL TO ME AND I WILL GET RID OF THEM FOR YOU!
SILVER Member
Pooh-Bah
2,014 posts
Location: Galveston, TX, USA
Pooh-Bah
2,014 posts
Location: Galveston, TX, USA
Posted:
WTF= what the f*ck
WTF= what the f*ck
BRONZE Member
Watcher of 80s cartoons
665 posts
Location: Chepstow & Bristol, United Kingdom
Watcher of 80s cartoons
665 posts
Location: Chepstow & Bristol, United Kingdom
Posted:
Cheers Spritie
With one of the groups (Environmental Science) I am teaching there are only four of them. None of them are particularly outspoken so an hour and a half lesson drags. To actually get them to express there opinions is sooooooo difficult. They are all clever but when I asked them today to name an environmental concern they have not one of suggested anything - they've been doing this course for over 6 months now - its an A-level how could they not be able to express an environmental concern? I'm tempted to take them out litter picker whilst lecturing about how litter affects the nutrient cycles worldwide just to get them to think for a change.
Cheers Spritie
With one of the groups (Environmental Science) I am teaching there are only four of them. None of them are particularly outspoken so an hour and a half lesson drags. To actually get them to express there opinions is sooooooo difficult. They are all clever but when I asked them today to name an environmental concern they have not one of suggested anything - they've been doing this course for over 6 months now - its an A-level how could they not be able to express an environmental concern? I'm tempted to take them out litter picker whilst lecturing about how litter affects the nutrient cycles worldwide just to get them to think for a change.
>What do you think about the state of the Earth?
>I'm optimistic.
>So why do you look so sad?
>I'm not sure that my optimism is justified.
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,638 posts
Location: Brum / Dorset / Fairy Land
3,638 posts
Location: Brum / Dorset / Fairy Land
Posted:
WTF is rude. oops. bad fairy
This is a good point, but in my opinion the way you are looking at it is very simplistic.
I agree totally that the education system is not encouraging free thinking individuals that stand up for what they believe in etc etc.... However I do not think this is a recent occurrence.
Eeeps this is going to be hard to put into words without it being mis-interpreted, but as usual I'll go ahead anyway :
You are questioning this issue.
There are:
a) Many adults in your generation who will never have thought of it. (The non-free-thinkers of your generation if you like).
b) Many adults in the generation before yours that thought exactly the same about your apathy while you were growing up.
c) Many adults who will think exactly the same about teenagers in the generations to come, whilst still believing that their generation was so free-thinking and had such a superior knowledge of the ways of the world.
This is not an age thing.
This is a general issue with society.
Do you really disagree?
I suppose that overall my point is that there is just as much apathay in adults as there is in teenagers - if not more (how else would 'we' learn it?)
It is just more saddening to see it in the generations that are to 'shape the future' etc....
We must change it - but don't just blame us and/or the education system. Education doesn't stop when you leave the classroom.
(Edited as I accidentally wrote it in two posts and that's really annoying.)
EDITED_BY: fluffy napalm fairy (1110910812)
WTF is rude. oops.
bad fairy This is a good point, but in my opinion the way you are looking at it is very simplistic.
I agree totally that the education system is not encouraging free thinking individuals that stand up for what they believe in etc etc.... However I do not think this is a recent occurrence.
Eeeps this is going to be hard to put into words without it being mis-interpreted, but as usual I'll go ahead anyway
:You are questioning this issue.
There are:
a) Many adults in your generation who will never have thought of it. (The non-free-thinkers of your generation if you like).
b) Many adults in the generation before yours that thought exactly the same about your apathy while you were growing up.
c) Many adults who will think exactly the same about teenagers in the generations to come, whilst still believing that their generation was so free-thinking and had such a superior knowledge of the ways of the world.
This is not an age thing.
This is a general issue with society.
Do you really disagree?
I suppose that overall my point is that there is just as much apathay in adults as there is in teenagers - if not more (how else would 'we' learn it?)
It is just more saddening to see it in the generations that are to 'shape the future' etc....
We must change it - but don't just blame us and/or the education system. Education doesn't stop when you leave the classroom.
(Edited as I accidentally wrote it in two posts and that's really annoying.)
EDITED_BY: fluffy napalm fairy (1110910812)
Geologists do it in the dirt................
BRONZE Member
Watcher of 80s cartoons
665 posts
Location: Chepstow & Bristol, United Kingdom
Watcher of 80s cartoons
665 posts
Location: Chepstow & Bristol, United Kingdom
Posted:
Yep - I do disagree
But only with some of your points - this is not an age thing it is the way in which society has changed.
The generation before mine needed to learn a subject called civics. In this subject they needed to learn the political process of the UK and the World. They therefore, needed to learn about how laws are passed and amended. They also needed to learn about their civil rights. Remember most of this generation left school at 15. How many 15 year olds are aware of their civil rights nowadays? It begs the question are OAPs a political force because they have so much time on their hands or is it due to them being aware from an early age the importance of their role in society?
So trends in apathy have changed over time. The age group I mention are not completely to blame for their apathy since they have never been taught about how they can affect the world.
However, with the new Citizenship Curriculum there may be light at the end of the tunnel
Yep - I do disagree
But only with some of your points - this is not an age thing it is the way in which society has changed.
The generation before mine needed to learn a subject called civics. In this subject they needed to learn the political process of the UK and the World. They therefore, needed to learn about how laws are passed and amended. They also needed to learn about their civil rights. Remember most of this generation left school at 15. How many 15 year olds are aware of their civil rights nowadays? It begs the question are OAPs a political force because they have so much time on their hands or is it due to them being aware from an early age the importance of their role in society?
So trends in apathy have changed over time. The age group I mention are not completely to blame for their apathy since they have never been taught about how they can affect the world.
However, with the new Citizenship Curriculum there may be light at the end of the tunnel
>What do you think about the state of the Earth?
>I'm optimistic.
>So why do you look so sad?
>I'm not sure that my optimism is justified.
BRONZE Member
Watcher of 80s cartoons
665 posts
Location: Chepstow & Bristol, United Kingdom
Watcher of 80s cartoons
665 posts
Location: Chepstow & Bristol, United Kingdom
Posted:
Pitman - sounds like your doing some cool stuff - let me know if I can be of any help.
Pitman - sounds like your doing some cool stuff - let me know if I can be of any help.
>What do you think about the state of the Earth?
>I'm optimistic.
>So why do you look so sad?
>I'm not sure that my optimism is justified.
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,638 posts
Location: Brum / Dorset / Fairy Land
3,638 posts
Location: Brum / Dorset / Fairy Land
Posted:
Back to that grammatical point I mentioned earlier - owing!
Again, you speak of all these OAP's that know their civil rights and the importance of them, and these teenagers that don't have a clue.
I am not at all convinced that this is the case. And I see no way that you can be either.
But as there is no way of proving either way I will have to agree to disagree with you on this one.
As a teacher I hope you are teaching them.
As a sister, a friend, a girlfriend (sometimes ) and a random bouncing stranger I know that I am.
Back to that grammatical point I mentioned earlier - owing!
Again, you speak of all these OAP's that know their civil rights and the importance of them, and these teenagers that don't have a clue.
I am not at all convinced that this is the case. And I see no way that you can be either.
But as there is no way of proving either way I will have to agree to disagree with you on this one.
As a teacher I hope you are teaching them.
As a sister, a friend, a girlfriend (sometimes
) and a random bouncing stranger I know that I am. Geologists do it in the dirt................
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,638 posts
Location: Brum / Dorset / Fairy Land
3,638 posts
Location: Brum / Dorset / Fairy Land
Posted:
Incidentally - [Old link] - not everyone has the same worries as you!
Incidentally - [Old link] - not everyone has the same worries as you!
Geologists do it in the dirt................
BRONZE Member
Watcher of 80s cartoons
665 posts
Location: Chepstow & Bristol, United Kingdom
Watcher of 80s cartoons
665 posts
Location: Chepstow & Bristol, United Kingdom
Posted:
Hey - no fair you can't edit after I've posted
I still disagree though - "...I suppose that overall my point is that there is just as much apathy in adults as there is in teenagers - if not more (how else would 'we' learn it?)..."
Not so - you don't learn apathy - it’s a form of ignorance - before the education system got so over inspective and before students where made to jump through so many hoops things where different - people where taught about their role in society. However, this changed and the product is an increase in apathy.
Hey - no fair you can't edit after I've posted
I still disagree though - "...I suppose that overall my point is that there is just as much apathy in adults as there is in teenagers - if not more (how else would 'we' learn it?)..."
Not so - you don't learn apathy - it’s a form of ignorance - before the education system got so over inspective and before students where made to jump through so many hoops things where different - people where taught about their role in society. However, this changed and the product is an increase in apathy.
>What do you think about the state of the Earth?
>I'm optimistic.
>So why do you look so sad?
>I'm not sure that my optimism is justified.
BRONZE Member
officially expelled from BYU
195 posts
Location: Southern California, USA
officially expelled from BYU
195 posts
Location: Southern California, USA
Posted:
Having done a bit of school in Britain (GCSE level) and in the U.S. I might actually be able to say something intelligent here. Maybe...
I noticed that in England (granted I was at some lower level school for some reason beyond me) kids seemed almost more apathetic about school than the ones I ran into in American high school. I think this has a lot to do with the structure of the British school system. You take a test, you get stuck where your test puts you. why care? In america (I am NOT saying i like america more than I like Europe here) it seems like there's more of an incentive, almost. However, I was in a lot of advanced classes, so it's very possible that I just didn't run into so many unmotivated people.
everywhere now there is a division in society between people who care and are motivated and people who are completely apathetic. I guess that's just the way things are going to stay, so it's up to the people who care to keep society moving forward.
As for your A-level students...that's weird. You'd think that by the time they got to their A-levels they'd be at least doing something they're interested in. However, they might just be doing it so they can get into uni, get a good job and join the mundanity of middle class. Maybe ask them about their goals and motivations sometime. It would probably be interestesting/insightful.
Having done a bit of school in Britain (GCSE level) and in the U.S. I might actually be able to say something intelligent here. Maybe...
I noticed that in England (granted I was at some lower level school for some reason beyond me) kids seemed almost more apathetic about school than the ones I ran into in American high school. I think this has a lot to do with the structure of the British school system. You take a test, you get stuck where your test puts you. why care? In america (I am NOT saying i like america more than I like Europe here) it seems like there's more of an incentive, almost. However, I was in a lot of advanced classes, so it's very possible that I just didn't run into so many unmotivated people.
everywhere now there is a division in society between people who care and are motivated and people who are completely apathetic. I guess that's just the way things are going to stay, so it's up to the people who care to keep society moving forward.
As for your A-level students...that's weird. You'd think that by the time they got to their A-levels they'd be at least doing something they're interested in. However, they might just be doing it so they can get into uni, get a good job and join the mundanity of middle class. Maybe ask them about their goals and motivations sometime. It would probably be interestesting/insightful.
"So Miss, I think you win the prize... A mormon egyptologist in a firespinning chat room... that's gotta be a record of some kind"
-NYC
Thanks, NYC,but I quit mormonism now XD
BRONZE Member
Irish
525 posts
Location: Dallas.........ish, USA
Irish
525 posts
Location: Dallas.........ish, USA
Posted:
it seems almost a way to propagate the idea that teens cannot change anything methinks
in the states US Gov't is taught to seniors in high school and covers only US Gov't...we only cover parliamentary procedure and other govt types very briefly....same thing with history....there is state history, world history(very brief in what it covers), and US history each only emphasizing what the powers that be can do to change the world....the way the system is set up creates a sense of near helplessness
since the US democratic system is majority rule while protecting the rights of the minority, the idea that one person cant do a thing to change the country is incessantly and subtly driven into our minds...so yeah....
rant over.....
it seems almost a way to propagate the idea that teens cannot change anything methinks
in the states US Gov't is taught to seniors in high school and covers only US Gov't...we only cover parliamentary procedure and other govt types very briefly....same thing with history....there is state history, world history(very brief in what it covers), and US history each only emphasizing what the powers that be can do to change the world....the way the system is set up creates a sense of near helplessness
since the US democratic system is majority rule while protecting the rights of the minority, the idea that one person cant do a thing to change the country is incessantly and subtly driven into our minds...so yeah....
rant over.....
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Carpal \'Tunnel
3,638 posts
Location: Brum / Dorset / Fairy Land
3,638 posts
Location: Brum / Dorset / Fairy Land
Posted:
lol - my edit only put that line in italics!
If I changed more I apologize - not intentional. Now enough of this - I'm off to get drunk and complain about stuff whilst sitting on my backside in front of the tv
For those of you who don't know me -(shockingly you do exist )- I am joking.
lol - my edit only put that line in italics!
If I changed more I apologize
- not intentional. Now enough of this - I'm off to get drunk and complain about stuff whilst sitting on my backside in front of the tv For those of you who don't know me -(shockingly you do exist
)- I am joking. Geologists do it in the dirt................
BRONZE Member
Watcher of 80s cartoons
665 posts
Location: Chepstow & Bristol, United Kingdom
Watcher of 80s cartoons
665 posts
Location: Chepstow & Bristol, United Kingdom
Posted:
"...Back to that grammatical point I mentioned earlier - owing!..." - I'm dyslexic - I do check all my posts in word before posting but what word doesn't spot I don’t either
A nice thread but its not a true reflection on the general public is it?
As a snapshot view into the trend into apathy check out the percentage population of voters within each age group.
"...Back to that grammatical point I mentioned earlier - owing!..." - I'm dyslexic - I do check all my posts in word before posting but what word doesn't spot I don’t either
A nice thread but its not a true reflection on the general public is it?
As a snapshot view into the trend into apathy check out the percentage population of voters within each age group.
>What do you think about the state of the Earth?
>I'm optimistic.
>So why do you look so sad?
>I'm not sure that my optimism is justified.
SILVER Member
Pooh-Bah
2,014 posts
Location: Galveston, TX, USA
Pooh-Bah
2,014 posts
Location: Galveston, TX, USA
Posted:
Sadly, it seems the US system is becoming somewhat like the UK system these days then. At least in TX, the government has mandated that students be able to pass a state-wide test (both of reading and math skills) in order to advance to the next grade. They are basing schools abilities to teach and also get funding on the results of these standardized tests. Because of this, teachers are being forced to teach the students to the tests so that they can be assured the students will pass. Less emphasis is being placed on important issues or how to get the students to think for themselves. The tests are written a certain way, so that's the main thing the teachers are teaching. That's absolute rubbish and disgusting in my opinion, but it's also one thing we have GWB to thank for...
Sorry for my ignorance here, but is there some good that arises from the A-level tests in the UK? Is it the final test someone has to pass before they can go to Uni?
Sadly, it seems the US system is becoming somewhat like the UK system these days then. At least in TX, the government has mandated that students be able to pass a state-wide test (both of reading and math skills) in order to advance to the next grade. They are basing schools abilities to teach and also get funding on the results of these standardized tests. Because of this, teachers are being forced to teach the students to the tests so that they can be assured the students will pass. Less emphasis is being placed on important issues or how to get the students to think for themselves. The tests are written a certain way, so that's the main thing the teachers are teaching. That's absolute rubbish and disgusting in my opinion, but it's also one thing we have GWB to thank for...
Sorry for my ignorance here, but is there some good that arises from the A-level tests in the UK? Is it the final test someone has to pass before they can go to Uni?
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