As educators, we believe that every student has the ability to learn and thrive – it’s just a matter of finding the right approach. But how can teachers ensure their efforts are making a difference? Instructors need to be equipped with strategies that improve academic achievement while also keeping their students motivated and engaged in learning.
In this blog post, you will find several proven methods for helping struggling students in your classroom succeed. Whether you are trying to instill stronger self-confidence among learners or develop better studying habits down the road, these tips provide an effective starting point for meeting those needs and helping them excel throughout their educational journey.
Seek Professional Writing Assistance
One of the biggest challenges that struggling students face is completing assignments and projects on time. This can be especially difficult for those who have learning disabilities or are facing personal challenges at home. In these instances, it may be helpful to enlist the help of an essay writer who can assist them with that work. When you find help for this kind of work from a professional, it allows your students to focus on developing their writing skills and getting ahead in their studies without looming deadlines causing even more stress.
Identify the Needs of Struggling Students
As educators, we must recognize the unique needs of struggling students and develop a plan to help them succeed. Students who are struggling may be dealing with a range of challenges, from learning differences to personal issues outside of the classroom.
If you take the time to understand each student’s situation and collaborate with them to create a plan for success, we can help them overcome obstacles and reach their full potential. Maybe it’s providing extra support in the form of tutoring or study groups, offering accommodations to help students with various learning styles, or simply checking in regularly to provide encouragement and guidance — there are many ways we can support struggling students and set them up for success both in school and beyond.
Create a Comfortable Atmosphere
Creating a comfortable atmosphere in any learning environment is essential in ensuring that all students feel safe and respected. It is especially important for struggling students, as they may already feel defeated or self-conscious about their academic abilities.
It’s our responsibility as teachers to foster an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, seeking help, and making mistakes. Encouraging open communication can also lead to a better understanding of each student’s needs and how best to support them.
Utilize Technology
As the world continues to progress with technology, it only makes sense that we utilize it in education to help students who are struggling to understand material. Thanks to the countless educational apps, videos, and interactive tools available at our fingertips, we have the ability to cater to different learning styles and offer students new and exciting ways to grasp difficult concepts.
Unlike traditional learning techniques, technology can provide personalized and effective assistance, empower struggling students, and help them achieve academic success.
Provide Extra Help Outside of Class
We all have subjects that are harder for us to grasp than others. Sometimes, no matter how many hours we study and how much effort we put into it, we may still find ourselves struggling. In these moments, having a little extra support can be a lifesaver.
Especially if a student is already struggling, they may not feel comfortable asking for help during class. Offering office hours or after-school tutoring sessions can give students the opportunity to ask questions and receive one-on-one assistance in a less intimidating setting. It also shows that you are dedicated to their success and willing to go the extra mile to help them understand the material.
Give Clear, Concise Instructions
For struggling students, understanding assignments and instructions can be a real challenge. To ensure they have the best possible chance of success, it’s essential to provide clear and concise instructions for any tasks or projects.
This could include breaking down larger assignments into smaller, more manageable sections or providing visual aids such as charts or diagrams to clarify expectations. You may also want to consider giving verbal instructions as well, to accommodate different learning styles.
Encourage Collaboration Between Classmates
Collaboration is the foundation of a thriving community. When classmates work together, they not only accomplish their tasks more efficiently, but they also develop stronger relationships with one another. In a classroom setting, collaboration can involve anything from group projects to peer review sessions.
No matter the activity, you want to encourage students to come together and share their ideas and perspectives. Through collaboration, students learn from their classmates and gain a deeper understanding of the unique strengths and skills that each person brings to the table. This way, we can empower students to work towards a common goal while also building valuable interpersonal skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
Foster a Growth Mindset
A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. It’s the understanding that effort is a path to mastery and that challenges are opportunities for growth, not signs of unintelligence or failure.
As educators, we can encourage a growth mindset by praising effort more than results, framing challenges as opportunities, and emphasizing that making mistakes is a natural part of learning. This will help struggling students view their struggles as temporary and surmountable rather than as permanent limitations, thereby boosting their persistence and resilience in the face of academic difficulties.
Aiding struggling students requires a multifaceted approach, taking into account their unique needs and circumstances. As educators, it’s our responsibility to create a nurturing and supportive environment that fosters a love for learning, encourages collaboration, and promotes a growth mindset. By utilizing technology, providing extra help outside of class, and offering clear instructions, we can help our students transform their struggles into stepping stones for success.
Keep in mind that each student brings their own strengths and potential to the table — our job is to help them uncover and cultivate these qualities to reach their full potential, even when faced with challenges.
