I found giving real life examples and associating it with something they are familiar with really works. I also found that you must have a great deal of patience and keep working with them. Always encourage that they can do it. It is very frustrating for them sometimes and it is real easy for them to give up. Encouragement and extra help really helps the studnet
Andrew,
this is a great way to start as it allows them to identify their struggles & we can better help when they are open to the ideas.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
The first thing I do is ask them what they feel they are weak at. Then build from there. Each step is a success and needs a strong foundation.
Nichole,
this is a great point. Often a student who is struggling is frustrated with him/herself & if we too become frustrated it will only add to the problems & then learning is definitely stymied.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I think that maintaining composure and not appearing frustrated is very important in helping them to gain confidence in learning.
Being patient. The student realizes that you are spending extra time with THEM to help them become successful. Never come off like you have no time to answer their questions.
Kenisha,
yes, this is very helpful & it also is a good way to keep us engaged with teaching to a variety of learning styles.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I agree that identifying the students' learning style helps. On the first day of class, I give a Learning Style Assessment to every student. Not only does it help the student but it helps me as well. I can then "Tailor Make" the Lesson according to the class and the learning styles.
Ramon,
this is a great idea as it allows the students to work in the area in which they are most comfortable learning.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Demo what is being taught if some students like to work by them selves so I have a activity where they can do that, other want to work hands on so I make a seperate activity that works well with that students needs.
Annette,
the real life examples are a great way to help students who may be struggling as it helps make the abstract more concrete.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I also use examples, as many real-life ones as I can think of. I also have my students work in small groups, even doing homework together, because it allows them so "see" different ways of finding the answers. I learned when I was in school that working with fellow classmates often helped me to think outside of the box. So I make my students engage each other the same way, to see different perspectives.
Joyce,
yes, this way we are reaching a variety of the learning styles & increasing the opportunity for retention.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Give the students as many examples as possible as well as visual examples that can use to connect with learning.
Vanessa,
this is a good strategy as it involves appealing to a variety of learning styles & so the students can be reached in a variety of ways.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Vanessa,
this is a good strategy as it involves appealing to a variety of learning styles & so the students can be reached in a variety of ways.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I use a combination of examples and working in groups. Examples can be more of a visual guide, and by working in groups, they can learn from their peers, and perhaps teach their peers a few things, as well.
The one I use is using simularities of industries msimular but not the same and relate them in a way to clear confusion, if one doesn't work I'll try agian. Often the one that works is one that I really had to develop and refine.
We use alot of visual aids and group work to reinforce learning. In class activities seems to help solidify what they have learned during lectures. Also, hands on applications help them to apply what they have learned to real life situations. We also offer tutoring directly after class for struggling students so they have more one on one time with instructors.
Ann marie,
these are both great ways to help the struggling learners in our courses.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
