Ownership

Do you wish your child would take more responsibility for their learning? You’re not alone. I’ve heard this frequently from parents when they feel their child isn’t applying themselves to school.

In the Junior High and High School years, students start developing more self-awareness and a desire for more independence. With this independence comes the question “Why am I doing this?” In other words, youth want a clear purpose for what they’re doing. Our adult brains present them with visions of success, opportunity, and financial stability… but this rarely resonates with their teenage brain and lands us back at square one.

This isn’t to say there isn’t a purpose that will drive your child to succeed, however. But the child themselves has to be the source of that purpose. This allows them to know, for themselves, the “Why?” of what they’re learning and doing.

I can’t forget working with a grade 8 student and having him express his purpose as “being a good father” when he was older. I was floored, and so impressed. When a child knows for themselves the reason for the actions they choose to take, the barriers to taking those actions become much less intimidating.

This internal validation is incredibly powerful in motivating them to study and learn for many long, focused hours as they pursue what matters to them. They develop a sense of ownership over their journey that was previously held by their parents and teachers.

Through our Learning Coaching, helping students find purpose and ownership for their learning is one important aspect of what we offer. We help students know for themselves why they’re doing what they’re doing so they’re less reliant on external motivators.

Do you remember developing this sense of purpose and ownership when you were in school? What was it? What changed for you?