Teaching weak students

During the short sharing with the teachers, I shared a few tips about teaching very weak students who are probably also very demoralised. I advised the teachers to dress up to show the students that they are worth the effort. Make the students feel wanted and loved through our personality and the way we carry ourselves. No sloppiness and no sandals, please.

Some of the teachers also shared their success stories. I also shared that teachers should also keep up with the latest songs and singers. Sometimes, teachers get comfortable and they become obsolete very quickly in this era. I also talk about my struggle in getting organised and asked for suggestions. I have files for everything and I try to get my papers organised.

If you are blessed with a musical talent, use it. As I can play the guitar, I bring the guitar and play some songs. I have the boys eating out of my hand in no time. They cannot comprehend that this old aunty can belt out a rock and roll tune too.

Teachers should earn the students' respect. Students have stopped listening to teachers as they find that they have become redundant and obsolete. And there are so many other 'teachers' like the internet, freinds and television vying for their attention and they are more effective and attractive. Unless teachers update themselves and appear to be more knowledgeable, we will lose them.

Teaching Weak Students

Many teachers struggle to teach students who can hardly read. I am teaching a class of 24 students who cannot read and write in English. The first thing I did was to run a diagnostic test. I found out that many were able to read simple words but they do not practise punctuation and were unable to string a sentence.
Then, I revise many basic words which they needed to know such as things at home, things in school and verbs. I also do a lot of one-to-one reading and coaching. I usually prepare some worksheets to keep them occupied while I tend to those who are weak.
Teachers also complain that if we spend time teaching them the basics, how are they going to sit for the real exam. I train them to write a simple letter, teach them to string sentences from notes given. At least, six or seven will pass the exam.
I also give them a lot of incentives like chocolates and even cash for work done. They love to play simple games and look forward to my classes. They feel that they have been abandoned by the school and morale is low. They just need a lot of love, patience and attention.