There are many challenges to learning online, and that includes everything from time management to distractions. Without guidance, many students struggle in class and experience problems with their schoolwork.
Signs of a Struggling Learner
As a teacher, it is important to recognize several signs that students are struggling. These include:
- A decrease in grades or test scores
- Misbehavior in class
- An increase in tardiness or absenteeism
- Difficulty staying focused during class
- Difficulty completing homework or projects
The following are six tips to help struggling students:
1. Communicate
A student’s biggest challenge when they’re struggling is communicating their problems. They may feel like no one understands or wants to help them. However, you can help struggling students by making it easier for them to communicate.
Talk with your students about what’s been bothering them and see if you can find any patterns. This can help them better understand their struggles and figure out ways to address them.
Students may be reluctant to communicate their struggles out of fear that they will not be understood. However, by paying close attention to what they are saying and taking the time to understand them, you may be able to help them figure out what is going on.
For example, if a student says that they are having trouble in class, ask questions to get a better sense of what is happening. You can ask questions about the material being covered, how they are feeling during class, and any other information that may help you understand their situation.
By doing this, you can help the student feel more comfortable talking about their struggles and hopefully provide some assistance.
2. Try the Incremental Learning Approach
When teaching new information, it can be helpful to start with the basics and gradually build up to more advanced skills. This is known as an incremental approach.
If you’re teaching students about marketing, you might start by discussing what marketing is, as well as the different types of marketing and how they work. After explaining the basics, you could then move on to specific strategies and techniques for each type of marketing.
Our brains are better equipped to handle smaller chunks of information than larger ones. By breaking down a complex subject into simple steps, we can better understand what we’re learning and retain it more effectively.
3. Instill Good Habits
Success comes from cultivating good habits in your students. Habits are the things we do unconsciously and regularly that lead us toward our goals.
To help your students acquire good habits and achieve success, encourage your students to set measurable goals and targets for themselves. It will help them stay organized and motivated. It will also keep them focused when studying for exams or working on projects.
To make things easier for your students, help them break down the task into smaller pieces. With more manageable tasks, students are more likely to succeed.
4. Define Goals
Clearly define the goals of your lessons. For example, if you’re teaching students a difficult concept, start by outlining what the student should accomplish by the end of the lesson.
Taking this approach will help them focus on specific skills they need to learn and provide an overall direction for their studies. It can also motivate them to focus on the key concepts that will help them succeed in class.
Additionally, it is crucial to establish a deadline for completing tasks. Timelines can help keep students motivated and on track. Plus, setting a deadline can help better measure the task’s progress. Knowing when to expect a task to be finished allows you to identify potential issues early on, leading to a quicker resolution.
Students should know that while it can be tempting to put off tasks until later, setting deadlines can help get them done quickly and efficiently.
5. Inspire Persistence
It can be tough for students to stick to their goals, so they may need motivation to help them succeed. Encourage students to stay focused on their dreams by reminding them of all that they have already accomplished as a student. It can even give them a sense of direction, spurring them to take charge of their studies.
Encourage your students to challenge themselves to achieve more than they could have imagined. As a result, students will become more confident and realize that anything is possible if they put their minds to it.
6. Recognize Students
Making sure a struggling student knows they are being noticed is an important part of encouraging them. It can help them feel better and inspire them to keep trying.
Show your students your appreciation by complimenting their hard work. Praise their efforts by saying things like “Great job on that essay!” or “That was really impressive math work.” This gesture will show your support and give the student confidence in their abilities.