In my opinion, the recent decline in students’ performance is mainly driven by two developments:

1. More screen time

This includes smart phone usage, social media, technology in classroom and AI in education.

Today, students rarely need to struggle in learning. Whatever they want, whenever they need, it is delivered to them by their digital personal assistant. They receive large quantities of information without developing knowledge and skills. But human cognition is not designed for this. Productive struggle and “headache” accompany deep thinking is an essential part of learning.

2. Coddling and overemphasis on mental health issues

At the best, research found no clear evidence that universally applied mental health programs improve children’s mental health or academic achievement as a side effect. Whether such approaches are harmful remains uncertain.

Labeling otherwise typical students with various disorders often leads to lowered expectations and excessive accommodation. Many of them are capable of academic growth with some encouragement and push.

Ying Li

Hollidaysburg