FOCUS ON STUDENTS’ STRENGTHS

ARLINE P. RONQUILLO

It’s so typical in schools to treat a student with high marks as “good” and a student with failing grades as “not-so-good”. This brings a bad message to our students. As educators, we must see students beyond their grades, so we can enable them to reach their potential.

Sure – grades are earned, and rewards are provided for those who perform satisfactorily. But we should not tag students who are not performing well as a “failing” student or a “poor” learner.

This system does not help our students and the education sector, too, because students are viewed just as test takers and grade makers.

Is it right for a child to be labeled “a successful student” by how well she performs as a test taker and grade maker? What we don’t realize is this may even produce trauma in a child.

Let’s look beyond our students’grades. When we see a student not participating in class, let’s look beyond that child’s actions and behavior. Let’s do away with the labels and look at a child with a clearer picture of reality, so that we can actually see what that child is trying to tell us.

A child may feel that he doesn’t get good grades even though he knows some things. He won’t even try because deep down, he knows he’s going to get a bad grade. Deep down too, he wishes there are other ways besides grades to show who he really is.

They hesitate to contribute or show that they care about being part of the school or class because in some instances, kids with good grades get bullied.

Some students struggle to feel good about themselves, and see themselves as disappointments. They wish the teachers could see the things they do right, not the things they do wrong.

They also need more time. There are things they can do, but not in a way that they feel pressure. They need their work to make more sense, and not confusing.

Students also wish that teachers don’t give up on them, and that they find a way for them.

It’s time to focus and building on our students’strengths and then utilize those strengths through personalized instruction to assist their growth.

— oOo—

I at Porac Elementary School

The author is Master Teacher