Building Students, Not Scores
For the first two to three decades of an individual's life, they go through formative years of schooling- all the way from kindergarten to graduating high school, and then from college to the workforce. Education is significant and greatly affects the opportunities and experiences one gains. Oftentimes grades play a major role, but should it be the grading system alone that defines students as individuals? Should they be exposed to more opportunities, outside of a classroom environment? Would learning life skills and finding out more about themselves impact the outcome of their careers and how would these skills be fostered? Could all of this be taught in school? Incorporating such ideas into the education system may be a starting point, broadening the views of all children and teaching them uniqueness while also building upon their passions and abilities.
The grades a student earns is something that’s always on their mind, even over actually absorbing the information and keeping it with them. Earning good grades is something that everyone works towards, but to what extent do grades actually help a student learn? Grades may often be a reflection of the teacher as well, depending on their teaching style in addition to how well the student grasps the concepts. There are also multiple factors that can change a student's overall grade, how much is an assignment weighted? How strict of a grader is a teacher? How lenient are they with due dates? There’s so much to take into consideration when looking at grades. In addition, it also comes down to the student’s interest in a certain subject and their learning style. This greatly differs among each student, contributing to the struggle of grades.
While continuing to teach core subjects, schools should consider adding more classes that involve career exploration. In high school, not everyone knows what they’re passionate about and the career they may want to pursue, although these are important questions to gain clarity for their future. Schools should take an active role in understanding students, focusing on their identity and what their interests are. Taking these steps will foster better relationships among staff and students, and allow them to feel supported and ready for what’s next. Career exploration classes are a great way to expose students to possible new interests and prepare them. These classes may include guest speakers, where professionals in specific careers talk about their experiences, define their job, the schooling necessary, and all the key information for students to make this important decision. Similarly, having students learn in different environments besides the typical classroom setting may spark more interest and creativity. When students leave the classroom setting for these activities, new opportunities and experiences may develop into a passion. When working hands on and seeing new things, students are encouraged to become more curious and truly learn more about themselves.
In addition to career exploration classes, students may find it helpful to explore their personal qualities and uniqueness. No two people experience life in the same way, everyone is made up of different perspectives and understandings, which is why it’s important for a student to know and add onto this. Teaching students about time and emotional management, conflict resolution, and other applicable skills are key for them to succeed in the world. Understanding one’s “soft skills” are important beyond the classroom and academic setting, especially by using concepts like growth mindset, perseverance, and empathy. Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind that these skills cannot be taught only once, it’s an ongoing process that continues to evolve, so it’s important to remind students of their emotional wellbeing to navigate certain situations. These are the kinds of skills that prepare a student to become a balanced and collaborative individual, ultimately leading to their success.
When a student engages in writing about or remembering memorable events, their view on life might seem different because they can incorporate it into future decisions or steps they may have to take. Having this new view will allow students to share their story effectively, showing them as the best candidate for certain opportunities. While also building their personal story, it’s important to identify an individual's strengths and weaknesses. Finding strengths will allow them to know what they’re best suited for, for example, whether it’s working with other people, or by themselves. Additionally, weaknesses give them a chance to know what to work on, so they can become a better student and individual. Shifting away from a solely academic approach to education and incorporating other skills and habits will benefit the students tremendously.
While keeping all of this in mind, it’s important to remember that you are still human, it’s okay to take breaks, rest, and focus on other activities. All individuals should have a life outside of education and exploring careers. It's important to partake in hobbies, try new things, stay in touch with important people, and most importantly take time for yourself. Mental and physical health are key aspects of daily life, and it’s equally important to take care of both. Do not avoid exercise, stretch breaks, and looking up from the computer screen. Our bodies need these couple minutes to recharge, so we can then refocus and stay productive. Playing sports or going to the gym are healthy habits to add into one’s schedule, balancing work and health. In addition to resting our bodies, we must also rest our minds. It’s essential to sleep for the recommended number of hours based on the age categories, take a break from others and do something for yourself, and take days off. These rest days boost an individual’s mood and overall happiness, while also letting them take the time to do something enjoyable. Mental and physical health are important to consider and practice, even during the busiest days, because they are significant even in the long run.
Education and the schooling system allow individuals to gain academic knowledge and develop important social skills. However, it is imperative that the education system incorporate life skills, strengthen the bonds between staff and students, and set the student up for success in the future. While students grow during these important years in life, it’s important to take breaks and focus on activities students love, creating a balance between school and hobbies.
Peer Interviews:
Do you think grades are more of a reflection of the student, teacher, or both?
I believe grades are a reflection of both the student and teacher because it depends on the work the student puts in and the ability to explain concepts clearly by the teacher. Grades reflect the effort the student is putting into the class and preparation for exams, however if the teacher hadn’t explained everything in a way everyone understands, this will also reflect in the grade.
-Anya Dusara | Incoming Junior
Have you ever experienced a time when a non-cognitive skill (like perseverance or self-regulation) helped you more than academic knowledge? Describe it.
I recently joined a competitive water polo team, but during the first few weeks, I was often benched and struggled to find my place on the team. It was discouraging and I began to doubt myself and feel hopeless. However, instead of giving up, I made the decision to shift my mindset. I began focusing on ways I could improve: I began asking my coaches and teammates questions and staying after practice to improve. That change in mindset made all the difference because over time, my confidence grew, and I eventually earned a starting spot. This experience taught me that perseverance and self-motivation are just as important as academic knowledge, and my biggest takeaway is that mindset matters more than I ever realized and may determine the outcome of certain situations.
-Kiana Aref Adib | Incoming Sophomore
How often do you take breaks during a study session? Rest days?
In order to manage my time effectively and take breaks to stay productive, I use the pomodoro technique, which breaks up a study session into 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5 minute break. After 4 of these intervals, there is a longer break of typically 15-20 minutes, which maximizes my productivity. In terms of rest days, my Sundays are typically relaxed and I sleep in which allows me to recharge and stay productive for the next week.
-Avani Desai | Incoming Junior
During my study sessions, I take breaks about every 30 to 45 minutes to stay productive.
-Mihikia Nagepalli | Incoming Freshman
Should schools incorporate activities and lessons to help us understand our qualities and identity?
How might they do this?
High school is a pivotal time for character and identity development, shaped by the people students surround themselves with and the experiences they go through. I believe that rather than limiting this growth to solely academic lessons and extracurricular activities, it should also be created through guidance and mentorship, fostering an understanding of students' thoughts and emotions, especially as they navigate stress at home, with peers, or with teachers. Encouraging these practices can help students feel seen and validated, and may motivate them to shift from making emotional decisions to more thoughtful, rational ones, setting them up for future relationships and a stronger self-identity.
-Jinan Chazbek | Incoming Junior
How do you believe the education you are receiving will help you in the future?
I believe the education I am receiving is currently helping me communicate effectively with my peers, manage my time wisely, and explore the activities that I’m passionate about, building a foundation for future possibilities. Specifically for me, I took the biomedical classes provided at my school which helped me navigate what I want to pursue in the future.
-Isa Nguyen | Incoming Junior
Do you know what career(s) you’re interested in? Did school help you explore your interests and come to a decision?
I know I would like to go into the medical field and work toward becoming a pediatric nurse. I enjoy working with children a lot and I truly want to help people in need. School did not help me explore my interest because they hadn’t given me the class to further my knowledge on the overall subject, nor other resources and opportunities.
-Anya Dusara | Incoming Junior
Do you have any tips to manage mental and physical health alongside school?
My tips to manage my health during the school year is by staying active, which I do through playing volleyball. Additionally, sleeping for about eight to nine hours and taking breaks whenever I may feel overwhelmed.
-Mihika Nagepalli | Incoming Freshman