In order for students to get started on the path to achieving this lofty goal, they must be able to make the most of their learning experience in school. Students must be actively involved in and engaged with what they're learning to get the most benefit from their education. Teachers must create a challenging and student-centered classroom which is an ideal setting for authentic learning to take place. Using performance as a teaching tool in the classroom is one effective method of giving students ownership of what they're learning. Other methods of creating a student-centered classroom are creative writing, students reading out loud in class, students presenting and sharing their written and other mediums of work, organized group and collaborative work, etc. The efficient use of technology such as music, film, looking at internet sites, video and audio clips from the internet, online discussion boards, e-mail, etc., enhances and expands the students' learning experience, stimulates the students, and provides a more well-rounded and in-depth exploration of the topic being studied.
While the student is getting the most out of their school education, they must also be educated about and guided towards their long term career goals. Students should be made aware of the long term consequences of the career or education choices that they are starting to think about in school. Students who do not choose to go to college should be advised about other options that may be open to them. Students whose grades are not good enough to be admitted to the college of their choice should be encouraged to apply to a community college so that they can at least begin their post-secondary educaiton and then work their way up. Students who do plan on going to college must be advised about the level of performance that is going to be expected of them in college. These students should already be doing some amount of college level work so that they will be able to make a somewhat smooth transition to the college learning environment.
Educators must not only provide and create a challenging learning environment for students to get the most out of their school experience but they must guide, encourage, and inspire students to become the self-fulfilled and successful individuals that they want to be.
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