I teach math, for years I have taught math. This year, I also teach Spanish. I absolutely LOVE teaching my Spanish class. Why? My Spanish students believe they CAN LEARN Spanish! What about my math students? They are convinced that MATH IS TOO HARD! Wow, what a difference. It is really hard to change that conviction.
So, I am looking for solutions. I know they have this great need to be social, to talk, to work together. I know that they can learn. I know I must make it somehow more relevant and fun.
Strange, for me, learning was the fun. Knowing something today that I did not know yesterday just seemed the right thing to do. I struggle with the apparent apathy of my students.
So, I search for solutions. I love the idea of "gamifying", but I cannot seem to find the time. I have my own daughter, my own life as well.
Little things work for a while: group worksheets that are easier to do with a "trick", poster sized worksheets, movement. But I believe that the problem is intrinsic ... many of our lost students have lost the desire to learn.
That is my dilemma, and my challenge.