PERSISTENCE IS WORTH IT

We often look back to our own journey as students when we are faced with the dilemma on how to help our students now. We tell them that the effort of persistence is worth it; that when you are interested in a topic, you just want to get through the challenge that goes with it.

The secret is that persistence should be consistent. The thing is, for some students, it is not.

Persistence is born out of passion, and is quite difficult to maintain. Can it be taught? Yes, but with much difficulty.

Sometimes, it’s nearly impossible to convince students that persistence pays off. This is understandable, because they’re still young and have not lived enough to understand life’s challenges. Teachers need to ensure that their teaching is authentic, so that they can help students recall what persistence feels like.

The road to persistence is paved with good intentions. It is necessary to help students find topics that will inspire them and find their passion.

Classes that interest students should be provided as a means to trigger engagement. It falls to teachers to bridge the gap between required topics and passion-based ones.

To help bring a passion-based learning focus, classrooms should utilize project-based learning, which focuses on meaningful learning punctuated by student choice. Students can decide on what can best show their learning, while allowing them to provide input whenever possible.

Allies are also essential, like family members. Families have a role to play in helping students find their passions beyond school. They can help students understand how their free time may have a direct impact on their persistence in the classroom. — oOo— The author is Teacher III at Tinajero Elementary School, Bacolor North District, Bacolor, Pampanga