by A Jarman

Created on: September 27, 2008

Main Weakness of Students

Is the desire to be recognized and rewarded for scholastic achievements an appropriate motivation? Those who see through the perspective of the gospel would say no, it is not an acceptable motive for learning. In the end, worldly acclaim and recognition is irrelevant to the things that really matter.

"What is the main weakness of our students? Undoubtedly the desire for recognition rather than interest in what they are doing. They are decidedly degree-seeking rather than knowledge-seeking. Eager to be successful, they want to rush into production without any foundation.

The gospel is only for the honest in heart, we are told; to others it shows an infinitely exalted but also remotely distant goal for which they have not the diligence to work or the patience to wait, but whose allure they cannot resist. So they anticipate the goal, sometimes in forms and ceremonies (we take our academic ritual in deadly earnest), sometimes by cultivating an invincibly cocky self-confidence, and sometimes in mental and emotional crackups. We want to be rewarded and recognized for our study, and that is not a proper motive for learning." (Nibley, 234).

According to Hugh Nibley, lack of interest in studies is the biggest problem in students today. Why is this? Students are not naturally interested in every subject that they are required to take in order to complete their degree. This can lead to a sense of apathy towards the subject. Their main goal for these classes that they are not interested in is simply to get an "A" grade, not to master the subject.
The solution for this lack of interest is for students to learn how to become interested in what they are doing. How does one gain this interest if it does not come naturally? The key is to find the purpose, importance and eternal relevance of gaining that specific kind of knowledge. One must discover how gaining the knowledge will contribute to a good foundation of education. Ask the question, Why is it important? Find the answer to this question and remember that as you are working to learn the subject material. Another question that should be asked is, if reward and recognition are not "proper motives for learning", then what are some proper motives? I would say genuine interest, enrichment, fuller life, broader perspective, stretching of one's self and mind, and ultimately, a desire to be like God, who is all-knowing. The more knowledge we gain, the closer we become to being God-like.

Works Cited
Ed. Gary P. Gillum. (Nibley, Hugh. "On Education." Of All Things! Classic Quotations from Hugh Nibley. Utah: Deseret Book, 1981.)

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