Each student will have a view about school rules and expectations. Others are intimidated with homework, disciplinary policies and pressure to get high results whereas others have the opinion that school is too lenient and it does not prepare students adequately to the real world. This brings a major question: is school too strict or too easy or it is right?
To most students school may appear to be too strict. Policy regarding phones, dress code, attending and deadlines are quite open and shut. Sophomore Landon Suvada says, “After you hit your second year, things might get a bit more strict.” Students are supposed to struggle to find a balance between different classes, after school activities, homework, and in some cases jobs or family. Math teacher Mr. Davenport explains, “If students can pay attention and balance work, then ultimately, it can be easy.”
Whenever errors happen, it can seem like cruel results. Freshman student, Turner Davenport, explained, “It can make the difference between a whole grade when a student is trying their best, and then turning in something late. Instead of being motivated, with this pressure, they might the effect of stressing out and then burning out.” Over time this can lead to apathy which is known as a lack of interest or motivation where students begin to show less interest in school rather than being encouraged to do better.
Alternatively, there are students that feel that school is easy. They have ways of stretching their deadlines, the option of resitting exams and taking open note examinations which makes them feel their expectations have been lowered. Such students fear that school is not challenging them or preparing them to be eligible to go to college or work. In the absence of adequate academic motivation, there is a risk of certain students not challenging themselves in order to acquire good study habits, time management habits and responsibility.
There are students who feel that school is also right in the middle. Freshman Markus Green says, “School is right in the middle, making some days strict and other days normal.” They feel that the organization maintains order and responsibility in the students and still provide them the help when required. Good teachers that break material down into chunks, which is called scaffolding, that can be understood and open themselves to inquiries and assistance at the end of the lessons makes school less daunting and more approachable. Rules in this case are seen as a guideline that helps the students to achieve success rather than a set of rules meant to punish them.
After all, the school might seem to be so/stiff/easy and it is usually related to the learning style of the student, the tasks provided and the circumstances in which he/she has to cope. One student may not respond to a particular method than another. Rather than pick one side of an issue, there may be benefits for schools to listen to the voice of students, and to try to strike a balance when it comes to discipline and flexibility.
Finally, school does not have to be ideal and effective. It is not considered to be making things as easy and as difficult as possible but to give students an environment that will take care for them and challenge and prepare them towards their future. Once this balance is attained, school will just feel right.
