Countering Student Apathy to Increase Student Engagement

Student apathy is a growing issue in the United States. While there is great concern and a growing body of research about student apathy and its effects on student achievement few researchers have examined the problem from the perspective of the apathetic student.This qualitative case study grounded in the tenets of Vygotsky and Piaget’s social learning and cognitive development theories explores student apathy and the learning environment through the experiences of former students and their parents. The results of the study led to the creation of a comprehensive professional development plan that combines growth mindset practices with differentiated instruction to lead teachers to create a culture of engagement in their classroom and throughout the school.