Understanding Your Students

 Here is one explanation for students’ grades that can be useful to get you thinking about  student attitudes and behaviors.

Attitude = Grade

F – The Failing Student often  sits in the back of the  classroom and seems to pay no  attention. They may even fall  asleep. They almost never  meet your eyes. They may have  problems at home, a learning  disorder, or be ill. Always look  deeper for an explanation for  why a student seems to be  failing.

D – The ‘Devil-ish’ Student just barely passes the class. Most of the time, they do not seem  to engage with the work or the teacher but every once in a while, you may see flashes of  brilliance. They may be quite smart but seem unwilling or unable to do the work. Again,  there’s almost always an explanation – although not always a solution. Watch the body  language – this student sits up and pays attention some of the time but more often, may  seem easily distracted or disconnected. How often can you get this student to look you in  the eyes? What might be the reason?

 

C – The ‘Caring’ Student seems to care about the class and the work but often does just  average or below average classwork. This can be out of a desire to ‘fit in’ with the rest of the  group. Or conversely, to protect him or herself from attack or bullying by not ‘standing out’  or drawing attention to themselves. They may not be motivated or there may be real  reasons – home life, learning disorders, seeing issues, etc. – that prevent them from higher  achievements.

Body language can be a real indicator. Does the student slump in the chair, twist to talk to  friends, or seem to hide behind the desk? Look for ways to help this student feel more  secure about accomplishing their work.

 

B – The ‘Brilliant’ Student can be rewarding to teach. They seem to pay attention most of  the time and are usually conscientious about doing their class and homework assignments.  They give competent answers to questions and their comprehension is almost always quite  good.

What stops them from being “A” students? Often this can be because social interactions  weigh more importantly for them than classwork. Given the choice between watching a  popular TV show and doing their homework, they would probably choose the TV show so  that they can talk about it with their friends the next day at school.

A - The “Ace” or E-for-“Excellent” Student may not be the most popular but turns in  outstanding work. Sometimes the work is quite unusual, imaginative, and even eccentric – a  story, poem, song, report or explanation of an idea by this student can be a surprise.

 

Socioeconomics can play a role, perhaps unfairly. So-called “A” students may come from  well-educated parents who demand quality work. Or they may be highly motivated because  of a personal interest – and some may even display signs of genius, which you can help to  nurture.

 

Parents who care about their children’s education provide them with a desk or work area at  home, require specific times for students to do homework, and give helpful support when  the children have questions. Even those families that live in real poverty can supply these  elements which can make a real difference in students’ achievement.

 

But the real “keys” to excellence can be found in enthusiasm and engagement. Even the “F”  student may do “A” level work if an assignment excites them. Finding ways to get students  to engage with the learning materials is one of the most challenging and stimulating aspects  to teaching.

Look for innovative ways to challenge and excite your students