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Champion Country, Tuesday, August 2, 2005 - A15 What do you want to do? Students' inability to make a career choice increases dropout risk (NC) For more than half the 17 to 20- year-old student population, choosing a career is like trying to solve a jlgsaw puz- zle. And the more students feel unequipped to make a career choice, the more likely they are to drop out of school, says FrdricGuay, Canada Research Chair on Motivation and Academic Success at Universit Laval. "Choosing a career or trade is not an easy task. Students have to find out what they are good at and study the job mar- ket " explains the professor of education. According to Guay, uncertainty about future careers may explain the high dropout rate. Specifically, he believes that students who do not know where their studies are leading them are more likely to feel incompetent and drop out of school. To test this hypothesis, Guay is conduct- ing a number of studies based on a theo- ry of motivation that says feelings of com- petence and independence are critical to people's psychological well-being. And that these feelings are best nurtured in an environment that gives people the free- dom to make their own choices. So far, Guay and his team have found that girls generally have a better idea of their future career than boys do. They also learned that students who eventually find their ideal career have more "supportive" friends than the chronically indecisive do. And how important is parental support? Guay plans to conduct an in-depth exami- nation of the type of educational backing that parents give their children. "It's all well and good to help children with their homework," he says, "but if you force them to do it and control their every move, you won't develop their feelings of independence and competence." Source: Dcouvrir, March-April 2005, by AnickPerreault-Labelle. To learn more about the Canada Research Chairs pro- gram, visit www.chairs.gc.ca. Eye on education Get children ready now for the next school year (NC) The first bell at school may still be a few weeks away, but education profes- sionals agree that a smooth transition back into reading, writing and arithmetic routines, takes some thoughtful plan- ning now by parents. "Research shows that the most accu- rate predictor of student success is not family income or social status, but the extent to which parents are involved in their children's education," says Dr. Donna McGhie-Richmond, educational specialist with Kumon Math and Reading Centres. "Parent involvement in educa- tion reinforces the importance of school." To help your children get off to a good start this year, here is Dr. McGhie- Richmond's back-to-school checklist: Discuss what can be expected on the first day such as learning class rules, catching up with friends and making new ones. Show your child the route to school and make a visit there before classes start. Get to know the teachers. Make them aware of out of the ordinary circum- stances at home. Let teachers know that you appreciate progress information both positive and negative. Set up a regular place at home for schoolwork. Make sure it is well lit, clut- ter free, with tools of learning such as paper, pencils, pens and a dictionary. Involve your child in putting together a back to school 'kit' of supplies that will be needed in the upcoming year. Ask the school for ideas if needed. Establish a regular study time for your child every day. Agree on a time and stick to it. Even if homework has already been completed, use the study time for read- ing or reviewing the work. - News Canada eAquariunmus, Fish & Supplies Small Animais & Supplies Kittens, J Birs, Reptiles Come and check out Our new Puppies! 905-875-0475 Open 7 days a week Mon-Fri 9:30-9:00, Sat 9-6, Sun 12-5 SMOKING what's le point? Smoking can cause permanent damage to your body. once a person starts, t becomes extremely tough to quit. This message brought to you by: ontd t e Asff oeý for de u a Ms Ent19byears or oder to participate cg tan restr ' on Wireless are trademarks of Rogers comniainn Used under Licese un THE s R f y