TIPS FOR STRUGGLING LEARNERS
There are very specific teaching methods you can use to help your struggling learner succeed.
Online learning presents a different set of challenges but the fundamental, evidence-based strategies still apply in this forum.
1. Teach Through "Direct Instruction"
Direct Instruction is a proven method in which the student is taught exactly what he needs to learn.
The information is presented very clearly through well-tested materials that rule out the possibility of misinterpretation and confusion.
The next is important step is to show the student exactly how to apply the information too.
2. Choose an Incremental Approach to Lessons
As teacher we are very familiar with the content of our subjects. We may take for granted that the child has some existing knowledge or some frame of reference to draw from when we teach. The life experiences of our students could be quite different from ours so we need to start lessons with the most basic skills and gradually move up to more advanced skills.
Each lesson builds upon previously mastered material and gradually increases in difficulty.
Allow your student to learn one new piece of knowledge at a time in a well-though out, logical sequence.
3. Understand the Importance of Multisensory Learning
Multipsensory learning happens with sight, sound and touch are used to learning new information.
When a student can:
- see - e.g. photo, picture, mind map, video;
- hear - e.g. audio track, rap, song, explanation, simplify language, repeat sentences, give children time to respond and read;
- lastly touch - e.g. do, experience;
it is easier for them to retain the new information.
4. Teach Just One Concept at a Time
When you dump too much information into your student's mental "funnel", your student's memory can only attend to a certain amount of new information.
Teaching one concept at a time respects the limitations of your child's short-term memory and allows concepts to be more easily stored in long-term memory.
That means more significant learning can occur.
5. Make Review a Priority
Consistent review is the key to getting information to 'stick'.
Teaching something once or twice does not mean your student has actually mastered it. Mastery takes time and practice.
6. Keep Lessons Short but Frequent
Short, frequent lessons are much better than long, sporadic lessons. In a short lesson, your student's attention is less likely to wander, and you'll find that you can actually accomplish more. \
Start with 30 minutes per day for 5 days a week. You can adjust the length of the lessons up or down according to your individual student's attention span and specific needs
7. Recognise the Power of Encouraging Words
In the ups and downs of the daily grind the power of encouraging words is all up to you!
Taken from and adapted
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