HANDLING SLOW LEARNERS
The word “slow learner”, while a deplorable term to use, describes pupils that have a learning pace slower than most of their classmates. Slow learning is a condition that could be improved. Teachers and parents play a vital role in motivating pupils and helping them move forward from the slow learning pace.
To effectively handle such pupils, teachers are encouraged to be patient with slow learners. Being patient and consistent throughout the entire process of learning is a great motivator for pupils who are slow learners. It falls upon the teacher to be able to identify the students with learning pace problems early on the in the class.
According to studies core problem of slow learners’ education is their weak cognitive skills coupled with the slow speed learning. It is a requirement that a teacher has to be understanding and patient toward their ability to get distracted easily and having a low attention span. Moreover, teachers must find creative ways to cope with this situation so that the entire class is not affected. One of them is patient repetition. Try repeating every basic instruction, keyword and concept time and again without being boring. Do not over speak, but over teach.
To be able to address their learning needs, it will not hurt to request the school to arrange special classes for slow learners after or before school. This in turn will give them enough time to catch up on lessons. The help of the entire class is also important in this aspect of learning. It will not hurt to teach the other pupils to empathize with the special students. Fellow classmates can also help in tutoring slow learners. Study groups are also encouraged to help slow learners in having the driver to catch up on lessons and be challenged by the fact that they are working with classmates. This would do wonders to their self-confidence.
Working very closely with their parents will also ensure that slow learners are helped at home. Close parent-teacher relations would ensure the homework and tasks assigned are successfully completed on a daily basis and monitored by the parents. Be accessible and open to communication with the parents so that they would know how they could help their child.
Positive reinforcement is also a key factor in helping slow learners. Reprimanding in front of the class for being slow to comprehend does a lot of damage. We can reprimand them in private, but as we do with all of the pupils, reprimanding must be done with justice and charity in mind. We teachers should also not emphasize on writing and concentrate on reading. Oral education is more beneficial for slow learners. Do not let them quit trying. Encourage them to continue their hard work to complete their tasks even if it means postponing it. Do not be overprotective. We must not allow their slow learning come in the way of their real education.
— oOo— The author is Teacher I at Pulung Santol Elementary School, Porac West District