Mine: Problem: I’ve noticed that one of the main issues with 8th grade students is that their lack of engagement and motivation, especially as they face more challenging academic content. This disengagement often comes from a mix of factors, like the difficulties of adolescence, not seeing the relevance of what they’re learning, and struggling with foundational skills in subjects like math and reading. I’ve seen how this leads to lower performance in the classroom, where students might not participate consistently or complete their assignments. It also impacts their state test scores, as they may not take the test seriously or lack the confidence and skills to perform well.
To address this, I believe it’s important to focus on personalized learning, allowing students to work at their own pace and connect with content that interests them. Making lessons relevant to their real-world experiences can also boost their motivation. I think providing additional support, like tutoring and counseling, is crucial, especially for those struggling with the transition to more rigorous coursework. Encouraging greater parental involvement can help students feel more supported at home, which could improve their engagement in school.
Lastly, teaching them about a growth mindset can make a big difference, helping them understand that their abilities can improve with effort, leading to better classroom performance and state test scores.
Instructors Feedback: It seems this is your problem statement – I’ve noticed that one of the main issues with 8th grade students is that their lack of engagement and motivation, especially as they face more challenging academic content. Can you rewrite this as an independent sentence?
For example, – 8th-grade students lack engagement and motivation when facing challenging academic content. What literature/citation supports this sentence? In other words – who else says this is a problem?