Slow learners are not dumb. They probably differ little from other students in terms of their potential. But intelligence can be changed.
This statement should not be taken to mean that these students can easily catch up. Slow students have the same potential as bright students, but they probably differ in what they know, in their motivation, in their persistence in the face of academic setbacks, and in their self-image as students. I fully believe that these students can catch up, but it must be acknowledged that they are far behind, and that catching up will take enormous effort. As a teacher, let us help them. To help slow learners catch up, we must first be sure they believe that they can improve, and next we must try to persuade them that it will be worth it.
Let us encourage students to think of their intelligence as under their control, and especially that they can develop their intelligence through hard work. Therefore, we should praise processes rather than their ability. We might praise a student for persistence in the face of challenges, or for taking responsibility for her work. Let us avoid insincere praise, dishonest praise is actually destructive. If you tell a student, “Wow, excellent work on your project!” when the student knows good and well that she didn’t, you lose credibility.
Praising process rather than ability sends the unspoken message that intelligence is under the student’s control. There is no reason not to make that message explicit as well, especially as children approach grade7 in school. Tell your students how hard famous scientists, inventors, authors, and other “geniuses” must work in order to be so smart; but even more important, make that lesson apply to the work your students do. If some students in your school brag about not studying explode that myth; tell them that most students who do well in school work quite hard.
In his book, Mr. Daniel T. Willingham made a very good point. Slow learners need fast actions. Teachers should be generous in acknowledging and appreciating their effort. Trusting them with may add little confidence in them. These may boost their speed up. From slow learners to fast learners!
By: SALVACION F. DAGDAG | Teacher III | Mariveles National High School (Cabcaben) | Mariveles, Bataan
