Students and Teachers struggle to find motivation in late winter months

By Naomi

3/11/25

The third quarter of the school year marks a trying time for students, characterized by a dire lack of motivation and near chronic tiredness. 

The consensus among some teachers is that these behaviors are due to the unforgiving cold, the lack of days off in comparison to other times of the year, and a desperation for school to come to an end in general. This feeling doesn’t extend to just students – teachers feel it as well.  

After coming off of so many breaks, it is difficult for students and teachers to remain enthusiastic because of the lack of rest days to break up the long stretch of only work days. 

“It’s a drag, it really is,” says Mrs. Barber, an AP U.S. Government teacher, regarding the period of time before April break. 

Since Colonie Central is located in the northeastern part of America, it gets less sunlight, especially during the first few months of the year. 

According to Dr. Woytowich, a regents chemistry and pharmaceutical science teacher, “People in the northeast are just known to have a Vitamin D deficiency, and it does affect your mood… you tend to not put in as much effort, or maybe not even come to school.” 

For teachers specifically, the third quarter can be particularly stressful because of the need to meet deadlines in order to have their students ready for exam season. 

"With AP, I feel like I'm really under the gun [trying to get] everything done by exam day,” expresses Ms. Schrader, an AP and Regents Chemistry teacher. 

Teachers explain that they know when their students are under stress during this time. Unanimously, teachers agree that the three indicators that students are beginning to lose sight of their end goals are consistent absences, being distracted or sleeping in class, and grades slipping. 

Ms. Barber explains that as a student, “It's hard to have a positive outlook. There's nothing to necessarily look forward to.” She expands, saying that there are no holidays, or breaks from piling assignments, and it is difficult to keep going until spring break in April. 

Many teachers try their hardest to be enthusiastic about learning, and make their classes the least stressful as possible, while sufficiently preparing students for their respective tests. 

It can be hard to balance sympathy and accountability, but teachers say that it is necessary for the success of their students. 

Both Ms. Schrader and Dr. Woytowich emphasize the importance of reminding students of the future and giving them a reason to hope. Since summer break is right around the corner, and seniors will be starting college soon, there is a lot to look forward to.

“This is temporary… We don’t have a lot of time left together [in class],” says Dr. Woytowich. “I try to get [my students] excited about the next thing.”  

Teachers also try upholding their own enthusiasm and passion for their subject, in hopes that their students mirror them. If they do not, teachers explain how student’s feelings and their own amplify each other. Remaining positive and optimistic during this time can greatly impact students’ passion to learn.