Helping Teens Reconnect with Learning: A College Advisor’s Perspective

A recent article in The Atlantic (link here) highlights a troubling trend: by 10th grade, only 26% of students say they enjoy school, down from 74% in third grade. Many students enter “Passenger Mode,” where they show up, complete assignments, and check the boxes but aren’t truly engaged in their learning. As a college advisor, I see this firsthand and help families navigate it.
Why Are Students Disengaging?
There are many reasons why students lose interest in school: academic pressures, lack of connection between coursework and real-world applications, and the overwhelming focus on grades rather than learning. Parents, understandably concerned, often respond by reminding, nagging, or micromanaging—but this tends to backfire. Instead of sparking motivation, it can make students feel even less in control of their education.
How I Help Students and Families
My approach is to shift the focus from just “getting through” school to finding meaning in learning. This starts with helping students identify their interests and strengths. Whether it’s through project-based learning, extracurriculars, or independent studies, finding ways to make learning personal and relevant can be transformative.
Here are a few strategies I use:

1. Encouraging Exploration – I guide students toward classes, clubs, and activities that align with their curiosity and strengths. When students see the connection between what they enjoy and their academic work, they’re more likely to stay engaged.
2. Building Ownership – Instead of parents managing every detail, I help students take charge of their own academic planning. Learning how to set goals, track progress, and adjust strategies when needed builds independence and resilience.
3. Highlighting Real-World Applications – I work with students to find opportunities like internships, research projects, and hands-on experiences that connect academics to career interests. Seeing the “why” behind their studies can reignite motivation.
4. Fostering Growth Mindset – Struggles and setbacks are part of learning. I encourage students to see challenges as opportunities to grow rather than roadblocks to success.

The Big Picture
High school should be more than a series of tasks to check off—it should be a time of exploration, skill-building, and personal growth. By helping students take ownership of their learning, find connections between school and their interests, and gain real-world experience, we can help them break out of Passenger Mode and move toward a more meaningful and engaged future.
Are you noticing signs of disengagement in your student? Let’s talk about ways to help them reconnect with learning in a way that prepares them for college and beyond.
#StudentEngagement #LifeSkills #CollegeAdvising #HighSchoolSuccess #ParentingTeens