Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Hi Klaus,
Good question that is commonly asked. What I do in these types of situations is form new groups on a regular basis. This way no one group is stuck with a problem student for very long. This also keep that student moving around so he/she has a tough time bringing negative impressions into the work group for very long.
Gary

Klaus Friedenreich CHEP

Gary
Learning groups of 4 to 6 students sounds great but is not always possible. I have 4 to 6 students in one section of the lab and some have a positive interaction. When I have problem students in a group, not just special need students, things can get out of hand. What I do is to change some to another group but I feel much resistance from the groups.
Are there other things I could do?
Klaus

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Hi Ingrid,
Sounds like many of my classes as well. What I have found is that I put the students into learning groups of 3-4 students each. I have them work on problem solving and case studies after I have covered the content through lectures. This method works well as it gives the students time to focus on the content and use it in in a relevant way with the support of other group members. I spend a lot of one on one time trying to answer any questions they have. I also do referrals to the Student Services Office where they can receive assistance that I cannot give since I have not been trained in such mental health or addictive behavior situations.
Gary

Ingrid Alexander

Here are several profiles of students I have come across and thier barriers:

1. First to go to college and does not have support from family

2. Homeless, can't find a job and struggling just for the basic needs

3. Transportation issues and new to the state or sometimes the country

4. Had brain surgery or some form of mental health that requires medication and often have short-term memory (includes Attention Deficit Disorder and high anxiety)

5. Struggeling with alcoholism shows so much potential in class

6. Health issues that restrict movements sometimes

7. Hearing impaired

Sometimes my classroom has all these student profiles at once and its difficult to manage all those concerns and move forward with lecture in a timely manner.

I would appreciate advice on how to work with a mixed bag from term to term to ensure students retain information so they can pass their end of term test.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Hi Ingrid,
There are some many different factors that influence the success of At Risk learners that it is hard to target anyone area without some additional details. Some overall advice is to be supportive and try to identify what some of the major barriers are to their success. They may be the lack of basic academic skills, family pressures, personal attitudes, etc.. By having an idea of what is going on with them you can customize your approach to working with them so they can have some success and develop some self confidence. Success and self confidence will go a long way in helping them to stay in school.
If you can give me a general idea of the types of At Risk students you are working with I can give some additional suggestions on how to work with them.
Thanks.
Gary