The renowned mathematician and educator Herbert E. Hawkes shares insightful observations in his essay, "Why Boys Fail in College." He has a profound awareness of the difficulties experienced by college students thanks to his lengthy experience as the Dean of Columbia College for a quarter-century. The essay by Hawkes, which is a chapter in his book "College, What's the Use," examines the underlying reasons behind students' failures and offers remedies.
Students are divided into two groups by Hawkes:
Those who assiduously work for success and others who lack the drive to succeed. He lists the following seven major causes of pupils' failures:
Not Paying Attention:
Some kids suffer because they can't concentrate on their work, engage in off-task behavior, and exhibit anxiety.
False Ambition:
Some students are pressured by their parents to pursue subjects in which they have little interest. Hawkes supports counseling to assist students in selecting courses that are in line with their inclinations.
Overconfidence:
Overconfident intelligent pupils who downplay the value of hard work may falter.
Health Concerns:
A student's capacity to learn might be hampered by physical and mental health issues. Hawkes underlines the necessity for institutions to address and raise awareness of these health issues.
Financial Limitations:
When deserving students are faced with financial challenges, they frequently take on part-time occupations, which has an adverse effect on their health and educational quality.
Abundant Participation in Extracurricular Activities:
Students who place a higher priority on sports and extracurricular activities than academics may find it difficult to set aside enough time for exam preparation.
Not Being Serious:
Students who enroll in college only for fun and recreation may ignore their academics, which will result in failure in class.
Hawkes offers suggestions for helping students who are struggling as a way to wrap up. He proposes giving advice on choosing appropriate courses and career options, helping those in need financially, and making sure sick students receive the care they need. In order to address health-related challenges, he also suggests that colleges include medical professionals. Finally, he suggests that colleges balance academics and athletics so that students who put more emphasis on playing games than studying might benefit from their experiences. Hawkes thinks that by putting these safeguards in place, the proportion of failing students can be greatly decreased, thereby improving the college experience for everyone.
