As a classroom elementary teacher for 6 years, I subscribe in the belief that there are slow learners among my pupils. Indeed, this is not merely a belief but a reality. While in the present set up of class sanctioning, slow learners are group in one section. This may sound impractical yet it really happens that slow learners usually and practically do not get the “star section”.

 

          Of course, I find myself problematic how to effectively reinforce my teaching to slow learners.

 

          Lately, it became an accepted principle in the elementary and high school to conduct remedial classes for slow learners.

 

          Logic dictates that a student learns at his own pace. Anybody cannot force a child to master skill which is not commensurate to his abilities. In reality, there are children who fall behind in their basics and advancement of the subject which is not fully understood by them. This condition calls for remedial classes. (Educational Psychology Arabie Miranda.)

 

          Generally, students have an issue with major subjects like English, Mathematics, and Science. Pupils can understand these subjects if the teacher takes a little care about them like attending to them personally and explaining concept until they understand. Actually, the reason why students lag behind in a subject is because they have problem understanding the basics. Given some time, they will fair well in the subject.

 

          Remedial classes are necessary for students who don’t understand a subject properly. As teachers, we should keep in mind that not all students have the same mental capacity to understand each and every subject. In addition, our pupils have different learning styles which should be considered while teaching and conducting remedial classes.

 

          Our worth as educators is not measured based on the instructions that we give on a daily basis. We have to make sure that our students learn from us, that little by little we develop them holistically. Since extending our efforts depends upon the needs of our students, remedial classes serve as an input to attain a better performance on the part of the learners.

 

          It is therefore, a must that remedial classes be held for any particular subject where students fail to fully understand.  

 

          Indeed, holding remedial classes has been a point of discussion among scholars and educators. Some favor the holding of remedial classes, others seem reluctant in holding remedial classes. 

 

          How about you fellow teachers, what is your stand?

 

 

By: Crezelen Pesa dela Cruz | T-1 | Legua Elementary School | Orani, Bataan