Blaming students? laziness for weak academic performance is a convenient way for both parents and teachers to escape from their responsibilities. Indolence being less perceived as a hereditary characteristic than stupidity, some parents feel more comfortable with such an excuse than the prospect of having to bear the costs of being biologically responsible for their wards? difficulties!

In holding their students responsible for producing disappointing results, some teachers find a ready-made, unquestionable alibi for their own lack of skills, patience and goodwill, which are so badly needed to deal with difficult cases.

Bullying at school, ill health, lack of motivation, inadequate and poor diet, a shy personality, which prevents pupils from asking questions when in doubt, an unfavourable home environment, e.g. frequent arguments and alcoholic parents are some underlying causes of poor academic progress at school. Holding laziness as responsible diverts attention from those real issues which, unaddressed, thrive further.

To add insult to injury, victims might be convinced of a sinful shortcoming that has been forced upon them. Wounded in their self-esteem, unsuccessful at school and convinced of the fact that they are unworthy, indolent creatures, victims end up as serious liabilities to society. A little dedication, love and understanding might be the first steps towards breaking that vicious circle - why not start by banning the word ?lazy? from the vocabulary of education?

Alain JEANNOT