Perhaps you can still see the school building with the classroom, right there in front of you, or hear what your teacher said? You are sure to have been really excited and looking forward to the future. A new stage in your life was beginning. You suddenly felt all grown-up, and were happy and proud.
What’s it like to look back at that time? What were your experiences, and how are things going now?
Unfortunately, school is a subject which has increasingly negative associations. It often begins at primary school: Pupils are over-stretched or under-challenged, and feel pressure and stress about school or the teachers. The individual is often overlooked, so that the true potential of pupils is not reflected or may even go unrecognized. Parents react with concern or annoyance and some take measures which, however well-meaning, can cause additional pressure and stress. Sometimes, however, the problem lies outside day-to-day school life. Family events (e.g. separation of parents, a new step parent, loss of a loved one, moving house) can have a strong influence on school results and motivation to learn.
This can result in problems ranging from demotivation, stress, time pressure, fears, frustration, apathy, self-doubt to feelings of hopelessness. At worst, it can lead to health problems.
Under these conditions, how can a pupil develop optimally, feel motivated and enjoy learning?
