Helping a student catch up with their peers

In every classroom, there is usually at least one student who falls behind their peers. 

This can occur for various reasons, and such situations often prompt us as teachers to offer our assistance. 

But how can we help a student catch up without overwhelming him with extra assignments or applying unnecessary pressure? 

Each case is unique, and the methods for addressing the issue can differ. 

In this article, we will explore specific steps that can be taken to support the student and help them regain their confidence in keeping pace with the rest of the class.

To help a student catch up with their peers, it's crucial to understand the underlying reasons for their difficulties. 

Each student has their own unique circumstances and background that can affect their academic performance. 

It’s also possible that they’re facing social challenges, such as bullying, which can negatively impact their studies.

Another important factor to consider is the student’s learning style and pace. 

If lessons are progressing too rapidly, the student may struggle to keep up. 

In such cases, carefully observe the student's behaviour and responses in class. 

Take note of their participation level, engagement, and interest. 

These observations, combined with an open conversation with the student, can provide a clearer picture of their situation and help identify the specific reasons behind their struggles.

After identifying the cause of the student's underperformance, it’s important to select suitable strategies to help them make progress. 

Let's explore a few of them.

Frequent but short knowledge checks

Regular testing allows teachers to consistently track the student’s grasp of the material and catch any gaps early on. 

Various formats can be used, such as flashcards, mini-quizzes, or online tests.

Differentiated tasks

Differentiation can take various forms, as students learn in different ways. 

Some may benefit more from visual aids, while others find detailed explanations more helpful. 

Tasks can be tailored to match a student’s learning style.

If a student finds longer written tasks difficult, breaking them down into smaller steps with specific goals can help make the process more manageable and track progress more effectively.

While differentiated tasks can include elements that tap into a student's interests, this doesn't mean the entire curriculum should be altered for one individual. 

Instead, it’s about accommodating their needs and preferences within the existing lessons, without adding undue pressure on the entire class. 

For instance, if a student is interested in sports, occasional adaptations to reading materials could feature articles about sports events or athletes. 

This way, while one student reads about a topic that engages them, the others can work with similar texts on the main theme. 

The goal is to incorporate diverse elements into tasks that are suitable for the whole class, yet offer additional options for those requiring extra support. 

Such a strategy fosters an inclusive learning environment, where every student feels part of the group while still having the chance to work with materials that reflect their interests and meet their specific needs.

Rethinking the approach to teaching

At times, teachers may need to reassess their current teaching methods. 

This doesn't necessarily require a complete overhaul of the curriculum. 

Instead, it demands flexibility and willingness to adapt strategies according to the situation. 

Consider diversifying assignments to accommodate different levels of readiness. 

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You will explore how physical, emotional, and social changes influence their motivation and behaviour, while also gaining practical tools to enhance student engagement.

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Each course includes a free demo version, enabling you to evaluate the quality of the materials before making a purchase.

Positive atmosphere in the classroom

Creating a positive atmosphere in the classroom can be effectively achieved by recognising and encouraging students for their achievements, no matter how small.

For instance, if a student answers a question incorrectly but demonstrates genuine effort, it’s essential to acknowledge their attempt. 

By celebrating these achievements, you inspire students to continue striving and help them overcome the fear of making mistakes.

Involvement of parents

Involving parents in the educational process is a crucial step that can significantly influence students' success. 

Additionally, it’s beneficial to provide specific recommendations in advance to the parents of struggling students on how they can support their child’s learning.

For example, suggest resources for extra practice during the student's free time. 

You might also recommend online resources that incorporate gamification elements, making the learning experience more engaging and less monotonous. 

By collaborating with parents in this way, you can collectively support the student and foster a positive atmosphere for their development.

The success of a student largely depends on understanding their individual needs and the support they receive both inside and outside the classroom. 

To help students catch up with their peers, it is essential to apply a variety of strategies that take their unique characteristics into account.

By creating a comfortable environment for struggling students, we assist them in overcoming their current difficulties. 

In doing so, you foster an inclusive atmosphere where each student can learn the subject at their own pace.