Prof. Dr. Yelkin Diker Coşkun: Report Cards Should Not Be a Source of Conflict

Following an intense school term, the semester break that students have been eagerly awaiting is just a few days away. On Friday, January 19, 2023, students will receive their report cards, which evaluate the term, and begin their mid-term break. Experts warn parents not to turn report cards into a source of conflict and suggest creating a holiday program together with their children.

Emphasizing that while report cards show a student's performance, it should not be forgotten that this performance has many dimensions, Yelkin Diker Coşkun stated, “A report card should be evaluated in all its dimensions. A student's sleep, rest, study habits, active participation in class, reinforcement through homework, and participation in cultural-social activities can directly or indirectly affect report card performance.” 

“DO NOT DAMAGE YOUR CHILDREN'S SELF-ESTEEM”

Stating that “A report card should be seen as an assessment tool used to understand the general situation and should not be made a subject of conflict,” Prof. Dr. Coşkun added, “Incorrect parental attitudes regarding report cards and hurtful words spoken have different effects depending on the developmental stages students are in and can damage their self-esteem. Parents getting angry at report card grades will not change the result. Therefore, if academic performance on the report card is low, a solution should be produced together with the student to improve it. Organizing which course or courses they need support in, their study habits, and household routines together with the family will positively affect success.” 

“SPENDING HOURS IN FRONT OF A SCREEN IS NOT RESTING”

Reminding that students should be ensured to rest physically and emotionally during the mid-term break, Prof. Dr. Yelkin Diker Coşkun continued her words as follows:

“Students tend to see holiday periods as times when they can easily spend long hours in front of a screen. This situation, which is physically tiring and disrupts routines, prevents resting. Students who spend their holidays this way have difficulty re-adapting to school. The purpose of the holiday is to increase school performance in the second term with a rested mind and body. For this reason, it would be healthier for students to spend their mid-term break with a program where they balance rest, sleep, play, and social activities.” 

“YOU CAN REVIEW SUBJECTS IF YOU NEED TO”

Prof. Dr. Yelkin Diker Coşkun also emphasized the importance of creating a holiday program that includes a review of the first term's course subjects if needed, and supporting students in following this program. Prof. Dr. Coşkun noted the following:

“Reading books is the most productive holiday activity that improves reading and thinking skills. Today, it is very critical to possess characteristics that require the use of social-emotional skills such as cooperation and teamwork. These skills need to be supported at home from early childhood, and it is necessary to ensure they take responsibility for simple household chores during holiday periods. It should not be forgotten that there is a relationship between a sense of responsibility, patience, and study habits.”