Lazy American Students?

A recent Boston Globe op-ed bemoans the apparent "laziness" of American college students, when compared with their international classmates. It points out two flaws among American students: a poor work ethic, and a lack of substantive knowledge. The article is highly popular among Boston.com and Globe readers, and has generated many responses. Today, the author replied to the article and some responses.

This article captures a vital issue in the college student's experience. As a recent graduate, I have experienced some of the situations the author describes. I, too, haven't been immune to some of the poor habits the author delineates, such as paying insufficient attention in class. My classmates, even at a renowned university, sometimes behave similarly in the classroom and toward their school work. Likewise, many international students whom I have befriended do work hard and put much into their studies.

Nonetheless, some of the author's arguments merit criticism. First, American students aren't wholly lazy or inattentive as the author claims. They may commit several of the distractions that the author purports, but generally, I see fellow classmates as attentive and respectful in the classroom. Second, the author seems to blame students for lacking a work ethic rather than focusing on outside causes. I believe that poor preparation in high school, especially for living and studying independently of parents, and distractions, such as partying and social life, play a large role. Third, international students aren't as studious as the author portrays. Many of them do not study or work as hard as American students, and in their home countries, many college students (such as Chinese) often put little effort into school. Finally, the author's observations are limited spatially and temporally. Her conclusions are derived from a few colleges, thus far, and more importantly, may have been before the economic downturn (or observing mostly freshmen, who are wont to slack off), which certainly imbued many college students, including me, with a stronger work ethic and drive to acquire substantive knowledge and skills.

Despite its many questions, the article deserves praise and should be read by fellow students, parents, and any concerned citizens. I hope the Globe publishes a Letters section with some of the best responses, both for and against, the article's arguments. Winter break and the turn of the year is an ideal time for current and future students (and parents) to consider and contemplate on such issues. In fact, while immodesty and excess marked the turn of the previous decade (1999-2000), lean times and the need for a positive work/study ethic properly will mark this upcoming decade. It begins not on January 1, but in freshman year.