Coach or Control? The Classroom Tug of War
It’s 2025, and students have unlocked a superpower: selective hearing.
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Homework? “Oh… that was just a suggestion, right?”
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Deadlines? “But sir/ma’am… time is a social construct.”
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Writing assignments? “Pens are so last century, can’t we just send emojis?”
Meanwhile, Netflix, gaming, memes, and reels enjoy full attendance and 100% completion rates.
Motivation—the old fairy godmother of education—seems to have retired. “Follow your passion” has been upgraded to “Follow whatever is fun right now.” Result? Balance and time management are missing in action, probably lying somewhere between a half-finished essay and a three-hour YouTube binge on “10 ways cats secretly rule the world.”
Why do students hate writing anyway?
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“My hand hurts!” – after writing exactly three lines.
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“Why write when AI/Google can?”
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“The page looks so scary… all that white space judging me.”
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“Typing is faster, duh.”
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“Do I really need to write an essay when I can just make a reel about it?”
Writing, for many, feels like running a marathon… barefoot… uphill… in the snow.
Control or Coach?
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Control Approach: Strict rules, constant monitoring, and punishments given out like free Wi-Fi passwords. Effective for a bit—until students start treating you like the router itself: only noticed when you block their connection.
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Coach Approach: Gentle nudges, guiding questions, and life lessons. Teaching that freedom without responsibility is like a pizza without cheese—fun for one bite, but regret forever. Coaching is slower, but it builds habits, self-awareness, and the ability to manage life (and deadlines) without panic attacks.
The Secret Recipe ๐ฒ
In today’s world, pure control sparks rebellion, while pure coaching can feel too “chill.” The magic is in mixing the two—a coach with a pinch of control. Like adding just enough salt to pasta: too much ruins it, too little makes it bland.
Because while gala time is great, learning to balance fun with goals isn’t just a school requirement—it’s a life superpower. And that, dear students, is as non-negotiable as exam dates.
A Question Back to You ✍️
If writing feels like a burden, why did every great thinker, leader, and creator—from poets to inventors—still turn to pen and paper to capture their thoughts?
Maybe writing isn’t about the homework at all—it’s about discovering your own mind on paper.
Now it’s your turn: What do you think writing gives us that no screen or shortcut can?
Write back—because your thoughts matter.
