In the past, it was discussed how there is a growing national concern about the academic achievement of boys. We looked at some possible causes, including having a mismatch between instruction and what boys often are immersed in outside of school – i.e. TV, video games, and other interactive electronic pastimes. It was also mentioned how there is often a lack of strong male role models for boys educationally and how this could inhibit their learning interest. Finally, the discussion closed with a promise to give a few thoughts on strategies we can use to improve the academic performance of boys.

One problem that teenage boys often seem to have is the ability to view life with a long-term perspective. Many times it seems difficult for young men to think beyond tomorrow (or 3 this afternoon for that matter). So, one way to help boys take school more seriously and utilize their talents more fully is to help them set goals. Having them think about their current interests and talents and relating that to possible career choices can help boys. Even a tentative career plan can help them set long and short term academic goals. As these goals are set, it is important that young men realize that more education usually equates to greater financial success and a wider range of career options.

A second thing adults can do to help males do better in school is to help them understand that doing well in school is a positive thing. Unfortunately, the pervasive teenage culture often reinforces the idea that school excellence is “nerdy.” Parents need to counteract this by emphasizing how the most successful people often are the ones who take school seriously and do well at it. They also need to stress the idea that utilizing their talents, academically and otherwise, is really an obligation of every person. Life is far too short to underutilize the God-given gifts we have.

Along with helping them see the importance of doing well in school, parents should provide accountability for their young men when they choose to waste their time. Admittedly, it is increasingly difficult for parents to find consequences for their teens when they choose to be lazy and uninterested. But taking away car privileges is one consequence that seems to resonate with teen boys. In this area, parents need to be creative and utilize whatever carrot and stick that happens to work to provide extra motivation for young men.

Besides providing consequences at home for poor grades, parents need to provide the support their students need to succeed. Sometimes this may mean tutoring them in areas they are struggling. They also can work with the teachers to help their sons receive extra help before of after school. Again creativity and extra effort are required in this area if parents are to find the resources necessary to help their male child succeed.

Providing necessary role models for young men is also important. If the family itself does not have such a person, excellent organizations such as TeamMates and Big Pals/Little Pals exist. A young man will be much more likely to see learning as important if he sees someone he admires valuing learning.
Another important way to help male students turn on to learning is to provide them with an environment at home that is rich in books and learning materials that relate to their interests. For example sports or auto magazines can be motivating tools to help young men practice their reading. Even computer learning games can help a boy get more interested in the concepts covered in school. The key here is finding their interests and utilizing those interests to engage them in learning.

Before closing, it must be admitted that there are no silver bullets available when it comes to finding ways to spur males on to school success. If this were true, we would not have the educational crisis we now have with boys. However, the more we try time-honored strategies, like those above, the more likely it is that we will find a solution to our own unmotivated learner at home. One thing is for sure, unless we tirelessly work to improve the achievement of our male children, the problem will not go away anytime soon.

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