There is a connection when it comes to a student’s academic performance and their overall enjoyment with their class. Typically, it is seen that when a student enjoys their class, they usually do better in that class, motivated and excited to keep coming back to it.
Likewise, it also seen that students that attend classes that they don’t tend to like, usually are less interested or feel pushed away from that class, invoking decreased performance in that class. This can be due to a list of factors, such as difficulty or workload. However, is this correlation accurate? How many more factors play into this suggestion? What classes do students like and why do they like them? Do they actually do better in these classes for liking them?
One of the major factors that plays into a student’s performance and enjoyment in their class, is the teacher. Not only does the teacher play the crucial role of making sure their students understand the content of their class, but they are also responsible for the well-being and the interest of their students.
“What makes me return to all of my classes are usually the teacher. Even the most difficult of classes could have its moments with the teacher. If you can enjoy a difficult class because of the teacher, not only will you learn many things, you can have fun while doing it,” said Jon Giron, a senior who attends the automotive shop.
Certainly, a teacher who appeals to their students, often gets increased positive feedback from students on their class. With higher student positivity and interest, caused by the teacher’s kindness, enthusiasm, encouragement, laid-back vibes, or a combination, keeps students coming back to their class. This factor can heavily play a role when a student labels their favorite class, in which may not be because of the subject itself, but rather the teacher’s attitude towards his or her students.
Another factor that plays into a student’s mindset when it comes to making a class their favorite is the overall challenge it poses.
“Challenge is what drives me to continue learning and absorbing new lessons. However, the teacher is what allows me to physically remain in the class to learn and acquire all my attention. It depends on how the lesson is taught that makes me truly want to learn,” said Nicolas Thow, a senior in automotive.
Challenge does give a major boost in student interest and keeps students motivated in a vigorous manner, especially when it comes to Honors and AP classes. It’s a matter of overcoming that challenge with their own intellectual skills and mindsets, in which brings satisfaction to the student taking the class. Some may even find it entertaining to be placed in a class that is challenging. Those who find classes to be too easy may say that the class is boring and does not appeal to them. Even in some cases, not worth their time or are completely disinterested in the class. Now, this may not completely mean decreased academic performance in the class, but it varies between students.
Caption: Jonathan Ustaev, standing in front of his favorite class; Robotics
Photo Credit: Rickcarl Paningsoro
The saying goes; “To each his own’, meaning each and every individual student has their own preferences and tastes when it comes to classes they like and the classes they actually they do well in. Some students may actually come to school just for the challenge, while some approach school in a more casual manner. It’s just a matter of finding what motivates you throughout the course of your school year. As well as finding the classes that matter the most to you and the ones you know you’ll be most comfortable in.
Of course, some classes are easier than others. Depending on the student, one may find their science classes easier than their math, or their english classes easier. Or the class in general is just easy. Each student is different in this regard, meaning their grades will vary, there is no set in stone way to say that students will do better in their class just because it is their favorite.
“Classes that are challenging could honestly be the double edge sword in school in my opinion. The classes are challenging for a reason, and I have total respect for those who take them. Not only are they learning difficult material, they’re learning things they could apply to their own lifestyle,” said Jon Giron
Classes can definitely apply to a students lifestyle, however those who are willing to take the challenge of AP classes are faced with not only increased difficulty but also a benefit in grades and intellectual ability. Again, because every student is individual, they choose these classes, perhaps because they like the challenge or the rewards that come out of taking them.
What classes do you find yourself liking and why? Are they actually the same classes that you do well in? See how you fare in your own classes and why you do so.
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