When Erudition is Not Working: Coping Strategies for Struggling Learners

When Erudition is Not Working: Coping Strategies for Struggling Learners

As a society, we often equate intelligence with success. However, for some learners, traditional methods of education do not work. These learners may find themselves struggling to process and retain information, leading to feelings of frustration, low self-esteem, and a decreased desire to learn. In this article, we will explore coping strategies for struggling learners to help combat these difficult feelings and provide a path forward.

Understanding Struggling Learners

Before we dive into specific strategies, it’s essential to understand what struggling learners are experiencing. Struggling learners can be anyone, from children in elementary school to adults seeking higher education. Common struggles include difficulties with reading, writing, and mathematics, as well as problems with memory and attention.

Breaking Down Learning

To help struggling learners, it’s essential to break down learning into small, manageable pieces. By doing so, we can give learners the opportunity to focus on their strengths, celebrate successes, and build on their accomplishments. Breaking down learning also allows learners to practice essential skills in a stress-free environment, which can help build confidence and increase motivation.

Building a Support System

Struggling learners often become frustrated with their learning environment. By building a support system, you can help struggling learners feel supported and encouraged. This can be done by creating a safe space where learners can ask questions without fear of judgment, providing personalized feedback, and working with learners to establish achievable goals.

Adjusting Learning Methods

Traditional learning methods may not work for struggling learners. By adjusting learning methods to suit learner needs, we can create an environment that fosters success. For example, some learners may require visual aids, while others may need written instructions rather than spoken instructions. To create a successful learning environment, we must be flexible and willing to adjust as needed.

Empowering Learners

Struggling learners often feel powerless, which can make them less motivated and engaged. By empowering learners, we can help them feel valued and capable of learning. Empowerment can be achieved by allowing learners to make choices about their learning experience and giving them ownership of their progress. When struggling learners feel in control and invested in their learning, they are more likely to find success.

Conclusion

Struggling learners face unique challenges, and traditional methods of education may not work for them. However, by breaking down learning, building a support system, adjusting learning methods, and empowering learners, we can create a supportive environment that fosters success. By implementing these strategies, we can help struggling learners overcome their challenges and find success in their education.