As an educator preparing students for the State Matura exam, I recently faced a challenging situation where most of my senior students decided to skip school. This was surprising, especially since it happened earlier than the typical skipping period for seniors. It prompted me to reflect on the reasons behind their behavior and how it affected my teaching plans.

During my conversation with Noa, I explored the notion that seniors might feel that school is practically done, which could lead to their decision to skip classes. Additionally, I learned about one particular student who, despite being a good learner, relied heavily on ChatGPT for her studies. This reliance contributed to her lack of confidence in using English effectively, as she had not practiced the language in two years.

Throughout our discussion, I expressed my frustration about not being able to teach everything I had planned due to the absences. However, I also recognized that this behavior could be linked to a sense of entitlement among seniors and a lack of consequences for skipping classes.

From this experience, I took away several key insights: - Students' decisions to skip school can reflect complex factors including their perceptions of education and disciplinary practices. - The impact of technology like ChatGPT can hinder students' language skills and academic integrity.

Moving forward, I committed to becoming stricter regarding skipping school and having conversations with students before making decisions about attendance policies. This approach will allow me to better understand their perspectives and encourage them to engage more meaningfully in their education.

In conclusion, while it's easy to feel frustrated by students' choices, it's essential to remember that they are navigating their own paths. As educators, we have the opportunity to guide them through these challenges and inspire them to value their education.