Reason Why Current Teaching Methods Can't Capture Students' Attention

I've watched two documentaries regarding education in the United States. The first one was about public schools, particularly those in New Ark, New Jersey. The second one was about post-secondary education. In both documentaries, it was mentioned that current teachers aren't able to capture the attention of students and aren't able to excite them. I've come up with a theory regarding why this is so, I'll call it Adolescent's Peak Excitement Theory. According to this theory, when an adolescent is presented with an activity that doesn't produce the same level of excitement that their hobbies and leisure time activities produce, their attention is very hard to grasp. For example, back in the day when adolescents read books for fun and had to rely on their imagination to entertain themselves, it was much easier to grasp their attention in the learning-room with activities such as reading, writing, and listening to the teacher as they gave a lecture. Today, adolescents have much more exciting activities that they engage in for fun; they have activities such as playing video games, watching movies with special effects that make the impossible seem real, and browsing the internet. These activities produce a level of excitement that surpass those produced by activities such as reading, writing, and listening to the teacher as they give a lecture. In other words, these traditional ways of teaching can't produce a level of excitement that equals the Adolescent's Peak Excitement . Hence, the best solution would be one that involves more exciting activities, comparable to playing video games and other similar activities. What do you think?

While I agree, I don't know if it would be practical.

I feel that its the luxuries that we have like video games, parents letting kids watch R-rated movies when they're young and all these social outlets such as Twitter. Parents need to emphasize education more.

While some of my teachers have bored me to death, I've had several who's class I had fun in. Im currently a junior in High school. My Current history teacher is one of the best I had. She is straight out of college and in her late twenties. Not only is she attractive but makes class fun. A week ago we were studying World War I and she decided we'd re-inact Trech Warfare. We balled like three hundred paperballs(Recycled) And turned the desks into walled looking things with No mans land in the middle. And basically had a paper ball fight.

Ofcourse we had to do journal entries in between the 'battle' but it was the most fun I've had in school in a while. I've learned surpisingly alot in this class so far, while other history classes I've had I believed I was more qualified to teach.

While some of my teachers have bored me to death, I've had several who's class I had fun in. Im currently a junior in High school. My Current history teacher is one of the best I had. She is straight out of college and in her late twenties. Not only is she attractive but makes class fun. A week ago we were studying World War I and she decided we'd re-inact Trech Warfare. We balled like three hundred paperballs(Recycled) And turned the desks into walled looking things with No mans land in the middle. And basically had a paper ball fight. Ofcourse we had to do journal entries in between the 'battle' but it was the most fun I've had in school in a while.Tetrarch9

The theory is sound but that is exactly the sort of thing i hated in school. I hated how subjects had to be forced into fun activities where you really don't learn anything and how teachers prefered to just occupy high achievers by giving them more work rather than stretching their ability. Personally i think the best method to do this is to get rid of the idea of age determining what year group you are in and students should just progress at thier own pace, then you could scrap most of the groupings and support sessions therefore education is cheaper, more efficient and you'ld have less behaviour issues. Sadly it will never happen.

EDIT: Also school should be more customisable. At no point did i want to take art or PE and at no point did they teach me anything, they were just wastes of time. I think from grade 7 you should be able to customise your classes similar to the way you can in uni.

Hence, the best solution would be one that involves more exciting activities, comparable to playing video games and other similar activities. What do you think?

TechTrek

Assuming you've identified the correct cause of the problem.

Also, out of curiosity, how do we know that children are less attentive in modern times?

[QUOTE="TechTrek"]

Hence, the best solution would be one that involves more exciting activities, comparable to playing video games and other similar activities. What do you think?

metroidfood

Assuming you've identified the correct cause of the problem.

Also, out of curiosity, how do we know that children are less attentive in modern times?

While some of my teachers have bored me to death, I've had several who's class I had fun in. Im currently a junior in High school. My Current history teacher is one of the best I had. She is straight out of college and in her late twenties. Not only is she attractive but makes class fun. A week ago we were studying World War I and she decided we'd re-inact Trech Warfare. We balled like three hundred paperballs(Recycled) And turned the desks into walled looking things with No mans land in the middle. And basically had a paper ball fight.

Ofcourse we had to do journal entries in between the 'battle' but it was the most fun I've had in school in a while. I've learned surpisingly alot in this class so far, while other history classes I've had I believed I was more qualified to teach.

Tetrarch9

we did that too, we had half the class 'going over the top' with only one ball, and the rest of the class with a large supply of ammo.

the problem is that not many teachers are willing to do that sort of activity.

[QUOTE="metroidfood"]

[QUOTE="TechTrek"]

Hence, the best solution would be one that involves more exciting activities, comparable to playing video games and other similar activities. What do you think?

xaos

Assuming you've identified the correct cause of the problem.

Also, out of curiosity, how do we know that children are less attentive in modern times?

I think you are comparing those other activities of kids/teenagers to school in a very strict sense of the word "excitement".

I dont think school has to excite you in the way videogames do. Its a completely different thing imo.

Imo, it isnt excitement that is lacking or needed, but motivation. And that is not something the teacher alone can create.

I definitely didnt have a positive outlook of school because of the way my teachers taught. Its the family and the immediate social surroundings that help create that.

[QUOTE="metroidfood"]

[QUOTE="TechTrek"]

Hence, the best solution would be one that involves more exciting activities, comparable to playing video games and other similar activities. What do you think?

xaos

Assuming you've identified the correct cause of the problem.

Also, out of curiosity, how do we know that children are less attentive in modern times?

I was simply trying to explain why it's boring. That's all. I think an explanation was warranted because this problem didn't exist generations ago. So, it would be untrue to simply proclaim school as being innately boring, when that's not the case. It's only boring relative to modern leisure time activities.

I was simply trying to explain why it's boring. That's all. I think an explanation was warranted because this problem didn't exist generations ago. So, it would be untrue to simply proclaim school as being innately boring, when that's not the case. It's only boring relative to modern leisure time activities.

TechTrek

[QUOTE="TechTrek"]

I was simply trying to explain why it's boring. That's all. I think an explanation was warranted because this problem didn't exist generations ago. So, it would be untrue to simply proclaim school as being innately boring, when that's not the case. It's only boring relative to modern leisure time activities.

xaos

[QUOTE="TechTrek"]

I was simply trying to explain why it's boring. That's all. I think an explanation was warranted because this problem didn't exist generations ago. So, it would be untrue to simply proclaim school as being innately boring, when that's not the case. It's only boring relative to modern leisure time activities.

xaos

I believe that the current way of teaching was able to produce the peak level of excitement in adolescents when leisure time activities were similar to it (reading books for fun, having mommy tell you a bed-time story which required the use of your imagination and the attention span to listen and pay attention, etc). In the 50s, there was television and radio, so school was probably not very exciting for adolescents, then.

[QUOTE="xaos"][QUOTE="TechTrek"]

I was simply trying to explain why it's boring. That's all. I think an explanation was warranted because this problem didn't exist generations ago. So, it would be untrue to simply proclaim school as being innately boring, when that's not the case. It's only boring relative to modern leisure time activities.

BranKetra

[QUOTE="xaos"][QUOTE="TechTrek"]

I was simply trying to explain why it's boring. That's all. I think an explanation was warranted because this problem didn't exist generations ago. So, it would be untrue to simply proclaim school as being innately boring, when that's not the case. It's only boring relative to modern leisure time activities.

TechTrek

I believe that the current way of teaching was able to produce the peak level of excitement in adolescents when leisure time activities were similar to it (reading books for fun, having mommy tell you a bed-time story which required the use of your imagination and the attention span to listen and pay attention, etc). In the 50s, there was television and radio, so school was probably not very exciting for adolescents, then.

[QUOTE="TechTrek"]

[QUOTE="xaos"] So you believe that kids in the 50's sat in classrooms enthralled? Seriously?xaos

I believe that the current way of teaching was able to produce the peak level of excitement in adolescents when leisure time activities were similar to it (reading books for fun, having mommy tell you a bed-time story which required the use of your imagination and the attention span to listen and pay attention, etc). In the 50s, there was television and radio, so school was probably not very exciting for adolescents, then.

This isn't some formal scientific presentation. It's just an idea that came to mind after I became aware of this problem over the years through the news and some documentaries I've seen. That's all. I didn't know that I had to present scientific evidence to people on a gaming forum. :roll:

[QUOTE="TechTrek"]

I believe that the current way of teaching was able to produce the peak level of excitement in adolescents when leisure time activities were similar to it (reading books for fun, having mommy tell you a bed-time story which required the use of your imagination and the attention span to listen and pay attention, etc). In the 50s, there was television and radio, so school was probably not very exciting for adolescents, then.

xaos

This is what I was wondering. When exactly has school ever been exciting for students?

This isn't some formal scientific presentation. It's just an idea that came to mind after I became aware of this problem over the years through the news and some documentaries I've seen. That's all. I didn't know that I had to present scientific evidence people on a gaming forum. :roll:

TechTrek

Generally it's not, but the premise of your hypothesis (kids today are less interested in school than in previous years) has not been verified.

It'd be like making a hypothesis on why IQ scores are going down every generation, when the premise (decreasing IQ scores) is false. It doesn't matter how good your hypothesis is if it's based on inaccurate information.

This isn't some formal scientific presentation. It's just an idea that came to mind after I became aware of this problem over the years through the news and some documentaries I've seen. That's all. I didn't know that I had to present scientific evidence to people on a gaming forum. :roll:

TechTrek

[QUOTE="TechTrek"]

This isn't some formal scientific presentation. It's just an idea that came to mind after I became aware of this problem over the years through the news and some documentaries I've seen. That's all. I didn't know that I had to present scientific evidence to people on a gaming forum. :roll:

BranKetra

Wow. So now you're implying that I'm a troll? Whatever. :roll:

While I see where you are coming from TC, I still think that is only PART of why kids aren't engaged in school.

Honestly, up until college it seems that there is a huge consensus on school just being a waste of time. Kids don't care because they feel it doesn't really manner, and to an extent they are right. No one is going back and looking at any school scores up till High School. On top of that, they force ALOT of info on you that quite frankly ends up being a useless bore for most.

I did well all throughout school, but that was only because I was lucky enough to be able to do well with minimal effort. I didn't try much and quite frankly I felt school really was wasting my time. I don't remember most of what was taught to me, and at the same time I feel the school system really failed me in certain areas like geography and history, but apparently it was more important for me to learn a ton of BS math that I never use...

I think there are really just too many issues here for one simple change to fix the problem. The whole system needs a makeover.

I also think that if there was potential to excel through school FASTER than maybe kids would take it more seriously. I always felt held back by the system as it never challenged me.

I believe that the problem has to do with the current system's obsession with standardized testing. Making sure that every single child in America is being taught the exact same general material for the exact same general subject tests, really ensures the worst possible education for everyone.

I believe that there needs to be more specialized education and trade schools preparing people for the real jobs that they are actually going to have.

Back when I was in school I had video games, movies and such like in my life, but I still had good attention in classes. The main fault I found wasn't with the teachers themselves but with the other students. It's rather hard to concentrate on and appreciate the worth of what the lesson offers when you have a handful of goons sat in the room messing around and generally being disruptive. If teachers were allowed to discipline students then classes would be far better.

We had a few of these "fun" teachers who'd do more hands-on learning as well, but although their lessons were fun the amount of stuff we learned could have been covered in 15 minutes in a normal lesson. I think that kids need to realise that the purpose of school isn't for you to be entertained, it's for you to learn a variety of things in the hope that you'll have a better future with better prospects.

School will never be as entertaining as a video game or sports, but it will benefit you far more.

School will never be as entertaining as a video game or sports, but it will benefit you far more.

KlepticGrooves

Unless you sign a multi-million dollar sports contract and become richer and more famous than just about any scientist ever.

[QUOTE="BranKetra"][QUOTE="TechTrek"]

This isn't some formal scientific presentation. It's just an idea that came to mind after I became aware of this problem over the years through the news and some documentaries I've seen. That's all. I didn't know that I had to present scientific evidence to people on a gaming forum. :roll:

TechTrek

Wow. So now you're implying that I'm a troll? Whatever. :roll:

[QUOTE="KlepticGrooves"]

School will never be as entertaining as a video game or sports, but it will benefit you far more.

metroidfood

Unless you sign a multi-million dollar sports contract and become richer and more famous than just about any scientist ever.

Well, there is that... :P

My opinion is that the school system used throughout the world needs an overhaul. Why do kids who excel at writing and reading need to learn chemistry, why do kids that are standout dancers or artists need to know geometry. And why is age the most important aspect that keeps kids grouped in classes, why not intelligence, or maybe kids learn better in the morning, daytime, or at night. Some learn better in a group while others on their own.

The school system is old and dated and it obviously isnt working well anymore in America as pointed out that we need to spend more on prisons than the education system, and in my mind there should be no excuse why that many people find committing crimes and joining gangs is a more appealing choice than going to school.

My opinion is that the school system used throughout the world needs an overhaul. Why do kids who excel at writing and reading need to learn chemistry, why do kids that are standout dancers or artists need to know geometry. And why is age the most important aspect that keeps kids grouped in classes, why not intelligence, or maybe kids learn better in the morning, daytime, or at night. Some learn better in a group while others on their own.

The school system is old and dated and it obviously isnt working well anymore in America as pointed out that we need to spend more on prisons than the education system, and in my mind there should be no excuse why that many people find committing crimes and joining gangs is a more appealing choice than going to school.

Jolt_counter119

Well, now that I think about it, Japan's school system must be doing a good job because they have some of the best academics in the world.

[QUOTE="TechTrek"]

Hence, the best solution would be one that involves more exciting activities, comparable to playing video games and other similar activities. What do you think?

Assuming you've identified the correct cause of the problem.

Also, out of curiosity, how do we know that children are less attentive in modern times?

[QUOTE="xaos"][QUOTE="TechTrek"]

I was simply trying to explain why it's boring. That's all. I think an explanation was warranted because this problem didn't exist generations ago. So, it would be untrue to simply proclaim school as being innately boring, when that's not the case. It's only boring relative to modern leisure time activities.

TechTrek

I believe that the current way of teaching was able to produce the peak level of excitement in adolescents when leisure time activities were similar to it (reading books for fun, having mommy tell you a bed-time story which required the use of your imagination and the attention span to listen and pay attention, etc). In the 50s, there was television and radio, so school was probably not very exciting for adolescents, then.

[QUOTE="xaos"][QUOTE="TechTrek"]

I believe that the current way of teaching was able to produce the peak level of excitement in adolescents when leisure time activities were similar to it (reading books for fun, having mommy tell you a bed-time story which required the use of your imagination and the attention span to listen and pay attention, etc). In the 50s, there was television and radio, so school was probably not very exciting for adolescents, then.

TechTrek

This isn't some formal scientific presentation. It's just an idea that came to mind after I became aware of this problem over the years through the news and some documentaries I've seen. That's all. I didn't know that I had to present scientific evidence to people on a gaming forum. :roll:

[QUOTE="Jolt_counter119"]

My opinion is that the school system used throughout the world needs an overhaul. Why do kids who excel at writing and reading need to learn chemistry, why do kids that are standout dancers or artists need to know geometry. And why is age the most important aspect that keeps kids grouped in classes, why not intelligence, or maybe kids learn better in the morning, daytime, or at night. Some learn better in a group while others on their own.

The school system is old and dated and it obviously isnt working well anymore in America as pointed out that we need to spend more on prisons than the education system, and in my mind there should be no excuse why that many people find committing crimes and joining gangs is a more appealing choice than going to school.

TechTrek

Well, now that I think about it, Japan's school system must be doing a good job because they have some of the best academics in the world.

Japan also has one of the highest suicide rates in the world if I remember correctly. They have incredibly high standards for themselves for better or worse.

[QUOTE="Jolt_counter119"]

My opinion is that the school system used throughout the world needs an overhaul. Why do kids who excel at writing and reading need to learn chemistry, why do kids that are standout dancers or artists need to know geometry. And why is age the most important aspect that keeps kids grouped in classes, why not intelligence, or maybe kids learn better in the morning, daytime, or at night. Some learn better in a group while others on their own.

The school system is old and dated and it obviously isnt working well anymore in America as pointed out that we need to spend more on prisons than the education system, and in my mind there should be no excuse why that many people find committing crimes and joining gangs is a more appealing choice than going to school.

TechTrek

Well, now that I think about it, Japan's school system must be doing a good job because they have some of the best academics in the world.

My opinion is that the school system used throughout the world needs an overhaul. Why do kids who excel at writing and reading need to learn chemistry, why do kids that are standout dancers or artists need to know geometry. And why is age the most important aspect that keeps kids grouped in classes, why not intelligence, or maybe kids learn better in the morning, daytime, or at night. Some learn better in a group while others on their own.

The school system is old and dated and it obviously isnt working well anymore in America as pointed out that we need to spend more on prisons than the education system, and in my mind there should be no excuse why that many people find committing crimes and joining gangs is a more appealing choice than going to school.

Jolt_counter119

[QUOTE="TechTrek"]

[QUOTE="Jolt_counter119"]

My opinion is that the school system used throughout the world needs an overhaul. Why do kids who excel at writing and reading need to learn chemistry, why do kids that are standout dancers or artists need to know geometry. And why is age the most important aspect that keeps kids grouped in classes, why not intelligence, or maybe kids learn better in the morning, daytime, or at night. Some learn better in a group while others on their own.

The school system is old and dated and it obviously isnt working well anymore in America as pointed out that we need to spend more on prisons than the education system, and in my mind there should be no excuse why that many people find committing crimes and joining gangs is a more appealing choice than going to school.

MetalGear_Ninty

Well, now that I think about it, Japan's school system must be doing a good job because they have some of the best academics in the world.

In the U.S., most insitutions and most students are mediocre, with a few people at the extreme high end. Whereas, in Japan, the high end is the standard (i.e. most insititutions and students are not mediocre).

[QUOTE="Jolt_counter119"]

My opinion is that the school system used throughout the world needs an overhaul. Why do kids who excel at writing and reading need to learn chemistry, why do kids that are standout dancers or artists need to know geometry. And why is age the most important aspect that keeps kids grouped in classes, why not intelligence, or maybe kids learn better in the morning, daytime, or at night. Some learn better in a group while others on their own.

The school system is old and dated and it obviously isnt working well anymore in America as pointed out that we need to spend more on prisons than the education system, and in my mind there should be no excuse why that many people find committing crimes and joining gangs is a more appealing choice than going to school.

Allicrombie

I agree to an extent, however, it is still important to have a somewhat rounded education, especially early on.

If I was taught everything in a way relevant to my interests, I would have been a straight-A student. Math is really, really difficult for me, numbers are not my friends. But two of my hobbies include and/or are based around math. If they could have taught me via those hobbies, I'd have done way better.XilePrincess

She nailed it right there.

The reason I hated and did so bad at school was the environment. It was so boring. Except for grade 6, that was actually an enjoyable year. I pretty much forced myself to stay awake every day during high school. All they did was use the lecture method and make you do endless paperwork.

Those who don't get bored might have a dysfuction within themselves.