What was the goal?
The goal of the project was to explore practices and ideas that can make school more attractive and learning more interesting for all students. The project was motivated by the observation that some students in an urban school showed reduced interest in their lessons, and the team wanted to find ways to motivate them and help them participate more actively in school life.
How did the project proceed?
Data was collected through semi-structured interviews conducted via digital platforms (MS Teams) with three distinct groups: an academic expert in educational psychology to understand motivational theories, eight secondary education teachers to record classroom realities and challenges, and a representative from the NGO “CLEANINGANS” to explore non-formal educational engagement. Thematic analysis was then applied to categorize the data and identify practical strategies for increasing student motivation.
What were the results?
The project identified challenges at multiple levels. At the systemic and institutional level, the rigid, exam-oriented curriculum and the “Bank of Topics” system were found to prioritize rote memorization over critical thinking, reducing student interest especially in upper secondary school. Overcrowded classrooms and time constraints also prevented personalized instruction and active learning. Regarding social and family dynamics, parental influence was identified as a decisive factor, with a decline in family-school collaboration observed and parents often focusing solely on grades rather than holistic learning. Excessive and unguided exposure to social media was also found to contribute significantly to student apathy. As pathways to re-engagement, the project concluded that a fundamental shift is needed from a rigid, exam-centric curriculum to a flexible model that values critical thinking. Teachers unanimously expressed the need for training in modern, student-centered teaching methods, and successful engagement was linked to adapting the curriculum to students’ lived experiences and introducing more creative, hands-on subjects. The project also emphasized the importance of rebuilding strong family-school partnerships and addressing digital-era challenges collaboratively.