Action Research: Motivating High School Students

Here is an interesting topic brought up on our Discussion Board:

 

Genevieve wrote:

How can we motivate high school students to want to learn? It appears some students do not care about their education.I would love to be a student in this day and age where we literally have the world at our fingertips because of technology and the internet.The students seem to be so lazy and do not want to put effort forth in their classes, even in computer classes.Sometimes I feel that we are not preparing them for college.It really bothers me when I have to constantly encourage them to complete their work so the students will have a grade instead of a zero. I think a big factor is that I am a digital immigrant and they are digital natives. Students today do not know what it was like to not have technology available to them. They have always had access to it.

An action research study would be beneficial to find out what it will take the students to get interested in their own learning and encourage them to want to learn as much as possible.

My response:
I think some students need a reality shock. Technology is integrated into so many jobs/careers now days and even "Digital Natives" are not prepared. I think you can be a "Digital Native" who lacks real employable skills. Students may be able to "Google" this and "Remix" that, but can they hold a real conversation or write a business letter without using "...." or "emoticons"?
Your action research topic reminds me of a tragic remark that a military pen-pal made to one of my students. He was trying to explain the importance of education and writing skills used in the military. He said, "You would be amazed at how many soldiers who refuse pen-pals or struggle with writing their "death" letters, because they lack writing/spelling skills." Could you imagine not wanting to wish your family well and telling them your final thoughts, because you were ashamed of your educational capabilities? You have the bravery to fight for our freedom, but lack the confidence in voicing your final word. The soldier even expressed his concerns that so many people are willing to risk their lives in the military, because they think it is their only chance to receive financial aid for a college education.
I would like to see more high schools focus on dual credit courses and trade skills. I think it would motivate students to get to be more involved with work study programs in high school. Just like we prefer job-embedded training, I think students prefer job-embedded classes in high school. Not many high school students want to skip a football game, party, or other experience in order to work towards their future.
We can reach most of them during the school day, so we need to address issues or limitations that are within the normal hours of school.