How do students’ attitudes and behaviors shape who they are?

Students’ attitudes and behaviors can be shaped by various factors, which are essential to consider when interacting with them. Personal experiences, such as relationships with family and peers, shape how a student thinks and acts. Societal pressures, such as the media, may also influence students, which can shape their views, beliefs, and values. External influences, such as school culture, can impact how students feel, think, and behave. Additionally, students’ mental health, access to resources, and educational opportunities can all affect their attitudes and behaviors. Understanding these influences when interacting with students in the classroom can be beneficial, as it can help create a safe and supportive learning environment. Additionally, creating a culture of inclusivity and acceptance can positively impact student attitudes and behaviors. According to the website, Edsurge, it states “With these influences in mind, it is essential to ensure that students feel heard, respected, and supported, regardless of their background.”

Student attitudes and behavior can be heavily informed and influenced by both external and internal factors. Internal factors, like personal experiences, mental health, and academic ability, can profoundly affect a student’s mentality and how they interact with their environment. For example, a student with a traumatic experience or mental illness may be more prone to feeling anxious or isolated, which could negatively affect their performance in class or their relationships with peers. Similarly, a student with lower academic ability may feel frustrated or inadequate, which could lead to them acting out or feeling discouraged.  Family, peers, and societal pressures all play a role in forming students’ attitudes and behavior. According to Science Direct, studies have revealed that family structure impacts critical political attitudes and behaviors, such as political efficacy, trust, and knowledge. 

When a child misbehaves or fails to meet expectations at school, the home and family life should be considered; economic stability, changes in family relationships, and parental attitudes toward education all play essential roles. Parents’ divorce can cause distress among children through guilt, feelings of loss, and disliking one of the parents, leading to behavioral issues such as aggression and loss of friends. The relationships between two family members are developing and affect the child’s ability to perform in the classroom. A family interested in education will produce students with better academic achievements than those with external influences. In school, students learn in a group environment and share values, morals, ethics, and knowledge that can shape their future societal roles. Peer learning has effectively prevented behavior problems and promoted a positive school climate. It can more effectively reduce student behavior and promote a positive school climate than other methods. Peer learning allows students to attainable goals, give each other relevant feedback, and time frame goals. Studies translate the result of peer achievements in a way that demonstrates its effects on a student’s score. It is clear that peer interactions are a normal and essential part of the learning process and substantially influence students’ lifelong learning habits. 

The attitudes and behaviors of students can be profoundly shaped by their family upbringing, friendships, physical environment, and media experiences. Understanding these influences can help educators better understand and connect with students so that students can reach their fullest potential. School policies are also essential in creating safe and nurturing environments for students to thrive and achieve their goals. By understanding all the factors that influence students, educators can create practical learning experiences for students that will help prepare them for life.