That is the most common explanation I have heard my colleagues offer in defense of poor academic performance. But how do I get my students to own up their learning? How have you done it? (Here is what I have practically done, you can add others in the comment section)
Teach students the value of earned rest.
Rest isn’t something we grant ourselves just because we feel tired. It’s a reward—a privilege that comes after completing tasks, whether we assign them to ourselves or receive them from others.
Now, think about your students: what happens when they rest whenever they feel like it? How can we keep them productive without pushing them to burnout?
The answer lies in planning.
Here’s what to do: Set clear targets for every assignment, exercise, test, or project. Communicate to your students exactly what they need to accomplish during the academic year.
Break it down into manageable chunks: monthly, weekly, daily, or even hourly goals. When students hit these targets, they earn their rest.By doing this, we teach our students resilience. We help them understand that rest is earned, not just taken whenever they feel overwhelmed. To truly succeed, they need to complete their self-assigned tasks.
But how do we encourage students to assign tasks to themselves? It starts by asking them about their dreams and life goals. Once they define these, they can set personal goals that lead into the structured planning we’ve outlined.
Try this method with your students, and you’ll see the difference. Next time you see a student resting, ask: Have you earned it, or are you resting because you’re tired Remember, even God rested—not because He was tired, but because He had finished His work.
Let’s help our students understand the value of earned rest. Teach them how to plan their way to success. If you try this approach, you'll witness a positive shift in your classroom.
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