Students on Genuine Learning in Education
Students feel the focus of their education needs to be concerned less with their test scores and memorizing information. Students are looking for genuine learning. Learning that prioritizes making time for students to approach their teachers, to discuss topics with classmates, and to learn things in a deep way.
Haverhill VIP: The workload can be crushing and stressful
“The workload can be crushing and stressful, which interferes with our ability to engage with and really learn the material. When the workload is lighter, it is easier not only to plan and manage, but also to learn. We get to actually think about what we are being taught. When the workload gets to be excessive, we just have to get it done.” — Haverhill High School VIP Report
Focus Group: Test scores don’t matter
“I feel like graduation rates and test scores and stuff like that, they don’t even matter…you can be cheating your whole way through high school and you’d still graduate. I feel like what really matters in school is if you’re learning. I feel like in school I don’t go to school to learn. That’s actually ridiculous that I go to school every day to pass. I feel like the school should be graded on how the students are doing.” — Focus Group Report
Omari: Doing the work to understand it
“I feel like there is a difference between doing the work just to do it and doing the work to understand it, and I know that I get more out of classes when my teachers focus on the latter. Having adults like these support me makes me more invested in my learning which also helps me better understand the material itself.” — Omari
Jonathan: Genuine Learning
“This second type of achievement is the version I think we should be aiming for. I like to call this genuine learning, learning you can hold on to. And this is why safe and supportive schools are so important. With safety, cooperation and community – rather than just memorization – all of our students will learn and achieve so much more.” — Jonathan