This morning I wrote about two students that I struggle with in class. With one of them, sharing more about myself helped build a connection between us. The second one I have taught for almost a year and half, she knows me, a story wasn't going to help her. She is a senior and is on the verge of failing my class. She rarely completes her work. They are working on their final project of the semester in class. She has barely completed the first task. The other day, while everyone else was working I sat down with her as simply asked, "what can I do to help you?" She didn't respond. So I asked, "do you know how to do the work?" Again, no response. So then I asked, "do you want me to walk through it with you?" She finally responded yes. So that is what we did, she got her work, started on the assignment and completed the first part.
Was I reinforcing her habit to not do work and wait for me, maybe? Maybe I was also providing some support to a student I had over looked for too long. We often get frustrated with students that do not do work, but sometimes they just need more help. Sometimes we don't even know what that help is, we just have to ask them. Most of us are doing reviews right now with students for end of the semester exams. Try talking to your students and asking what they need, what will help them, you may be surprised by their responses.
Was I reinforcing her habit to not do work and wait for me, maybe? Maybe I was also providing some support to a student I had over looked for too long. We often get frustrated with students that do not do work, but sometimes they just need more help. Sometimes we don't even know what that help is, we just have to ask them. Most of us are doing reviews right now with students for end of the semester exams. Try talking to your students and asking what they need, what will help them, you may be surprised by their responses.
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