Alicia Ziegenbein

Hello Ann, 

Through my experience it helps to learn what motivates the student. It maybe that the student is lacking in how to be a critical thinker. Many students are looking for the one word answer. (This is why our primary schools are teaching Common Core.) As instructors we can help develop critical thinkers by hand holding them through the problem solving process. 

Another perception is the student may seem to be lazy but they are too wrapped up in their own head and problems that they are not able to clear a path. It maybe the student needs the tools to compartmentalize their outside life in order to focus on their acedemics. 

I hope my response has provided you with a little insight and possibly give you some ideas to provide positive change within your student. 

Alicia