Facing various challenges when teaching students of different intellectual capacities is quite normal. However, facing these challenges on a daily basis can not only be difficult but also very exhausting, especially if you do not know how to handle them. Moreover, it can be very problematic if you are unable to identify the areas you need to focus on when dealing with weaker students or slow learners.
The distinct intellectual level of student
Every human being has a unique set of strengths and weaknesses. The intellectual capacity for learning and processing information varies from person to person as well. Some students are sharp enough to pick up the smallest details and learn pretty fast, while some others, although intelligent, are not sharp enough to match the learning pace of their peers.
Creating an academic balance: Ways to help weaker students to be successful in academics
As a teacher, you need to be aware of the areas your students might be struggling in and could use your help in improving their academic performance. Here’s a small list of some tips you could try when teaching weaker students to help them learn fast and excel in their studies:
- Figure out the area of difficulty for each student:
The most important part of being a teacher is to figure out the areas in which your students are struggling. It is very essential to be aware of the problems faced by slow learners in the class. Once you are able to recognize the main problem, it will be easier for you to help your students face it head-on.
- Evaluate the student carefully:
A student can be facing challenges not only academically but also emotionally, or maybe physically. It is essential for a teacher to carefully evaluate the weaker students on all levels. Try to get in touch with the parents and share your concerns. Get them into the loop so you can effectively help students struggling academically, emotionally, or physically.
- Motivate and inspire the students:
Motivation and inspiration do not come easy. An average human being needs to push beyond their limits in order to feel motivated and inspired. As a teacher, you should encourage and motivate the weaker students to speak up and face their challenges.
- Establish a cozy and friendly environment:
Creating a friendly learning environment will go a long way in helping the slow learners in voicing their concerns and sharing their problems with their teachers. They will know that their problems will not be a burden to anyone. Rather, the problems will be heard without any harsh response in return.
- Pay attention towards each student separately:
Sometimes, when a weaker student is not able to understand any subject, it is mainly because their academic base built through the previous classes is not strong enough. For a slow learner, it is necessary to have a clear understanding of all the basic concepts. For this reason, a teacher should always pay attention to the students on an individual level. Especially in the case of tough subjects, i.e., if you’re offering economics tuition in Singapore, you need to make sure your students have a firm grasp of all the fundamental principles of economics.
- Always say words of encouragement:
The polite and kind behavior of teachers towards the weaker students causes a significant boost in their self-esteem. As a teacher, you should always keep an eye on the overall performance of each student and appreciate and encourage them wherever it is due. A few words of appreciation from a teacher could change the entire life of a student.
- Keep track of the progress:
Teach your students to set an academic goal. When students have a proper goal, they seem to be more motivated and inclined towards achieving it, and it helps them excel academically. In order to achieve their desire goals, students adapt different learning techniques and methods which enhance their learning pace.
- Help students make a proper study schedule:
A proper schedule can help a weaker student in numerous ways. Most importantly, it will help them keep track of their progress. This way, they could avoid missing out on key subject areas. Moreover, it will allow them to overcome their academic weakness and adopt a faster pace of study.
- Group weak students with the fast ones:
A lot of learning and academic activities are held in groups. Group activities come with numerous benefits. Majorly, when a slow learner or a weaker student is paired up with a fast learner, his or her academic performance would improve.
Conclusion:
The role of a teacher of very crucial to the successful completion of a student’s academic journey. Whether a student is a slow learner or a fast learner, without a kind and considerate teacher by their side, they cannot accomplish their academic goals.
