Notably muted in the debate has been discussion of the engagement and motivation of the students themselves. In spite of the best efforts to improve the school system, little or no improvement occurs unless our children also increase the level of their effort. It is, after all, the students who must learn more, and it is they who must do the work. P opular opinion has it that students' academic success depends on the quality of their teachers and textbooks. However, when students are surveyed, a different view is expressed.
Most students believe their ability and effort are the main reasons for school achievement.
At the same time, they believe that hard-working students risk being considered either ambitious or of limited ability, both embarrassing. To avoid unpopular labels, many students believe they must strike a balance between the extremes of achievement, not too high and not too low. Many students adopt an attitude of indifference to hard work, a stance that implies both confidence in their own ability and a casual regard for academic success. As adults working and encouraging students to do their best, these attitudes are discouraging. There are measures, however, that we can take to change these attitudes.