Children who are challenged to use their critical thinking skills and solve difficult problems tend to outperform those students given easier assignments. Students often rise to the level of expectations teachers and parents place on them. While it may seem contrary to logical thinking, the more you can provide opportunities for students to step up their games and continue to reach for higher goals, the more likely they are to capitulate and become motivated to meet your expectations.
Students who receive scholastic attention from both parents and teachers tend to score higher on tests, overcome learning difficulties, attend classes regularly and stay out of trouble more than their peers whose parents aren’t involved, according to the National Association of School Psychologists. Successful teachers work hand in hand with parents to solve problems and address failing grades. They build a rapport with parents that’s inviting and respectful to create opportunities for positive interaction on a regular basis. Make parent-teacher conferences count, include parents in setting student goals and ask for parents to help with special projects.
The earlier you intervene when students have problems, the better chance you have of helping them avoid failure. For example, reading is one of the most common areas where children begin to fall behind early in their elementary school career. Providing tutors and extra opportunities for kids to pick up the pace of their reading abilities can help them stay on track with the rest of their studies as they move through the upper grades. As soon as you notice children lingering behind, step in with supplemental assignments and homework to get kids up to speed.
Attitudes often interrupt learning. When students begin failing due to their disruptive behavior, lack of interest in school and uncooperative attitudes, teachers often are tempted to use punitive or negative responses such as “if you continue acting that way, then you will fail.” Instead, resist the temptation to scold and turn the tables around. Use positive motivational statements such as, “if you finish this work, you’ll be able to graduate with your friends,” or “you are smart and I know you can finish this assignment very quickly,” rather than “you’ll never finish if you don’t apply yourself.” It helps if you believe the student is capable of doing better, which most students are with a little encouragement.