Lazy
Lazy students, what to do about it
There are 3 main reasons why students are lazy. However, before revealing the 3 reasons, I want to tell you a real story when I was giving a talk at NUS. A disgruntled lady from the audience mentioned that her 2 boys would try to delay time and procrastinate for the whole morning. Once it is time for this lady to leave for work, the 2 boys can go scot-free. She was asking for a magic pill that her 2 boys can take to help them to sit quietly and study diligently. The next question that I asked was a very crucial one.
“How many toys do they have?”
Her reply as that the number of toys can fill up half a room! That brings me to the very first reason…
1. Children are too well taken care of (pampered)
I came across parents discussing with a child about an overseas trip when that child has just barely passed a test! One has to wonder what incentive there is for him to excel in his studies. My father summed it up best when he said.
“Well, nowadays when a child wants a mug of Milo, he would receive an additional mug of Holicks. Why struggle?”
Parents, bear this in mind. The only reason why Singapore is an affluent nation is not because we have natural resources. It is exactly the lack of it that we need to be creative and to be willing to struggle.
2. Lack of understanding of Mathematical concept
Imagine this – You are the student who failed to get the right answer for 5 Math questions in a row. Would you try for the 6th time with enthusiasm? I doubt so. What the student need is understanding. This is where Unusual Ideas excels in.
3. Addicted to computer games
The title says it all. Now, let’s talk about the solution. That’s what Unusual Ideas is all about.
Solution to Category 1
If you have been pampering your child a little too much, stop. I understand this is your family affair. My only suggestion is to read as many books on parenting as possible.
Solution to Category 2
Hire a tutor from Unusual Ideas. Call us for a FREE trial lesson. You have nothing to lose.
Solution to the Category 3
If your child really needs the computer, place it in the common area.
How do we further enhance the performance? What if your child is not pampered but enjoys day-dreaming, waiting for the paint to dry?
One way is to send them to motivational courses or camps. These courses try to achieve 2 mail objectives. Motivate and provide better studying techniques. However, it costs a little too much. Before I reveal a much cheaper solution, let me tell you a story.
Years ago, the Americans were investing millions of dollars in hope of developing a pen that will not be affected by the lack of gravity. What did the Russians come up with? PENCIL!
Hopefully, you can appreciate that the fact that we have been working hard to brainstorm for simple solution to a difficult problem.
No One's Perfect by Oto
1)There are numerous books written on mind-mapping and other studying techniques. Borrow such books from the library. They are free!
2)Have you come across the phrase ‘One would stop complaining about having no shoes when he realizes someone having no legs’?
Do some voluntary work with your children. If time does not allow such work, buy books on how the handicaps succeed in life. Let them understand that pimples on their faces or the fact that their maids cannot speak English is not a problem.
I am proud to announce that I have signed up as a volunteer for SG Cares. I have bought books on the less fortunates’ tenacity to succeed in life. In turn, I lend those books to my students. Most of them have benefited in one way or another.
Click on these buttons to see books that I highly recommend.
I read the book ‘Beyond the Fall’ by Thomas Chua. Little did I know I could meet him in person when I served as a volunteer.
Email us if you want to know more.