Common Signs of Student Apathy
The checklist that follows is not intended to be conclusive, but is provided as a tool to help teachers understand areas and ways apathy presents in students. Indication of apathy in any one category, or to any one item, does not necessarily mean that the student is apathetic.
The nine categories of apathy below (everyday productivity, interests, taking the initiative, novelty seeking, motivation, emotional responses, concern, social life, and self-awareness) are adapted from research on apathy as it relates to medical illnesses and the Lille Apathy Scale (Sockeel, et. al., 2006). The questions have been modified to account for issues in a classroom setting and/or student population and are our own interpretation and compilation of signs. More data in this area of research is necessary to solidify our suggestions.
If your student shows signs of apathy, we hope that the information and resources presented on our website offer insight and potential solutions. Always seek help from professionals and others in your school if there are signs of apathy. Only as a group of dedicated educators and medical professionals can we truly serve our students.
The nine categories of apathy below (everyday productivity, interests, taking the initiative, novelty seeking, motivation, emotional responses, concern, social life, and self-awareness) are adapted from research on apathy as it relates to medical illnesses and the Lille Apathy Scale (Sockeel, et. al., 2006). The questions have been modified to account for issues in a classroom setting and/or student population and are our own interpretation and compilation of signs. More data in this area of research is necessary to solidify our suggestions.
If your student shows signs of apathy, we hope that the information and resources presented on our website offer insight and potential solutions. Always seek help from professionals and others in your school if there are signs of apathy. Only as a group of dedicated educators and medical professionals can we truly serve our students.
Everyday ProductivityIs the student not completing assignments?
Signs of Apathy: the student does not complete assignments and/or shows change in behavior related to assignment completion. Is there a significant change in the student's grades? Signs of Apathy: grades in most subject areas have declined. Is there a discrepancy between the student's formal and informal assessment results? Signs of Apathy: the student appears to comprehend content material when assessed formally, but may not show indication of comprehension during informal or in-class assessments. Can the student explain their day-to-day activities? Signs of Apathy: the student provides no reply or is slow to reply, or if the student can only list a small number or variety of activities. InterestsCan the student explain their interests?
Signs of Apathy: the student provides no reply or is slow to reply, or if the student can only list a small number of items. Does the student indicate they partake in these interests frequently throughout the week? Signs of Apathy: the student indicates that they partake in interests infrequently. Emotional Response
Does the student express emotion to scenarios culturally appropriate, such as sadness and happiness?
Signs of Apathy: the student does not express happiness when hearing good news or sadness when hearing bad news. The student does not laugh when other students are laughing. Concern
Is the student overly worried when they have a problem?
Signs of Apathy: the student shows overly concerned worry. Does the student express concern about loved ones and/or friends? Signs of Apathy: the student shows an emotional bond with their loved ones and/or friends, but may present signs of exaggerated worry for them. Does the student enjoy spending time with love ones and/or friends? Signs of Apathy: the student does not enjoy spending time with their loved ones and/or friends. Social Life
Does the student have friends?
Signs of Apathy: the student doesn't have any close relationships or has very few friends. Other students in class don't enjoy spending time with the student. |
Taking the InitiativeDoes the student initiate activities with other students in class and/or outside of class?
Signs of Apathy: the student does not initiate activities with other students and their interactions are limited or more submissive. Does the student immediately proceed with activities in class without prompting? Signs of Apathy: the student does not engage in activities without prompting, especially independent activities. Novelty SeekingDoes the student enjoy learning about new things?
Signs of Apathy: the student doesn't find pleasure in learning about new things even outside of academic content. Does the student enjoy coming to school? Signs of Apathy: the student doesn't enjoy coming to school and if given the choice would not attend school; the student regularly misses or skips class. Does the student have favorite subjects they find engaging? Signs of Apathy: the student can not name a favorite subject and/or finds no interest in any subject matter. Motivation
Does it take a lot of effort for the student to do something?
Signs of Apathy: the student takes longer than the majority of students to complete assignments. When the student has difficulty, do they look for solutions? Signs of Apathy: when the student struggles with a task or finding an answer, they don't seek out resources or help from the teacher or peers. When the student partakes in an activity, do they see it through the end or do they give up? Signs of Apathy: the student often starts an activity or an assignment, but has difficulty completing the task and gives up easily. Self-Awareness
Does the student review completed tasks?
Signs of Apathy: the student does not take pleasure in reviewing their work or seeing their grades. Does the student present signs of guilt after saying or doing something wrong? Signs of Apathy: the student does not show signs of guilt when they have done or said something wrong. Can the student admit to saying or doing something wrong? Signs of Apathy: the student does not admit to being wrong when confronted by the teacher. |