Reasons Why Students Disengage From School

Students disengage from school when they do not feel welcome, included, and respected by teachers and other students. Schools can improve their culture and retain more students by focusing on creating a sense of belonging for everyone.

Students Lack Opportunities to Develop Relationships

According to Mastery Schools Australia, one of the best schools for disengaged students in Brisbane, a student’s relationship with the school is an essential part of their overall experience. When students feel like they belong at school, they’re more likely to feel safe and comfortable on campus. When a student feels like they are part of the community, he or they can make meaningful connections that result in a positive educational experience. Students who feel valued as individuals will be more motivated to participate in classroom activities and better able to succeed academically.

Students Believe That School Does Not Consider Their Input

You may have heard the saying, “If you want to be heard, then you must speak.” This statement rings true for students as well. When a student feels that their ideas or opinions do not matter, they will quickly lose interest in what is going on around them. When your child believes that the school does not consider their input, this can lead them down a path of disengagement from school and learning.

To ensure that your child has an impact on their school environment, there are some ways parents can help. 

Firstly, encourage your child’s voice at home by asking questions about how his or her day was when you pick him or her up after school. If he or she doesn’t seem interested in sharing what happened at school with you today, take note of it so that you can approach him/her with open arms when it comes time for bedtime stories later on in the evening (this helps create an intimate bond between parent and child).

Secondly, have regular conversations with teachers about how well they’re engaging students’ mindsets during lessons (make sure teachers know which ones engage more positively than others).

Students Feel a Sense of Disconnection From School

Schools need to find ways of building community through shared experiences and mutual respect among students, teachers, and families—this is how students develop into adults who are equipped with the skills necessary for leading fulfilling lives in today’s world—but if you’re not already doing this, start by building on what you already have.

Students Experience Discomfort or Insecurity at School

Students experience discomfort or insecurity at school for a variety of reasons. They may feel insecure about the way they look, speak, or behave. Students who feel pressured to fit in with the “in” crowd may also experience anxiety as they try to navigate this often-competitive environment.

Another reason students engage in disengagement is that they are uncomfortable being themselves at school. Some students are marginalized by their peers or teachers because of their race, gender, sexuality, and/or disability status; these students find themselves living in an environment where they do not feel accepted and therefore do not want to be present either physically or emotionally at school (Kauffman et al., 2012).

Schools Do Not Provide Challenging & Enriching Experiences for All Students

The problem is not that students are disengaged. The problem is that schools do not provide engaging, enriching, and challenging experiences for all students. Many schools often fail to provide these experiences for students. As a result, some school systems have become more like prison camps than places of learning and growth.

Conclusion

When students disengage from school, they are not only missing out on important academic knowledge but also learning life skills that will help them later on in life. Teachers and administrators need to understand that students will not engage in an environment where they cannot have an impact on building meaningful relationships with students and teachers. This means creating a safe space where all students feel welcome and valued so they can focus on learning rather than feeling excluded or uncomfortable around others at school. If you have tried, to no avail, you may consider choosing a different school for your child.