Ash_Administrator_Ville May 11, 2016
In a recent article published by The New York Times discusses different teaching techniques used for easing academic struggles. The main focus is on social-emotional learning. Emotion is critical in engaging students. Have you ever tried to explain something to someone that has absolutely no interest in what you’re saying? They don’t hear you, they don’t take in that information, they don’t care; this is from a lack of emotional connection to what you’re saying.
Using SEL to increase student interest
Social-emotional learning, defined by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning, is “the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goes, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.”
This type of teaching recognizes that in order for someone to learn, they have to be emotionally invested, otherwise the information is going to go in one ear and out the other. Oftentimes academic struggles arise when students feel the information they’re being “forced” to learn is irrelevant to their lives. The way to get them interested is to make it personal. For example, explaining how knowing algebra will help someone that has a dream to become an owner of a small sandwich shop.
Issues that lead to academic struggles
Academic struggles in adolescents can emerge for numerous reasons. Knowing some of the causes of school troubles could help you, as a parent, help your child in this situation. Common causes of school struggles include:
- Sudden, significant life events (ex. Moving, friend/family death)
- Learning difficulty (ex. Dyslexia, ADHD)
- Bullying
- Substance abuse
- Depression/Anxiety/Other disorders
Because of the multitude of things that can disrupt a child’s learning, it’s important to stay aware of what’s going on in your child’s life. For example, if your family recently moved to a new town, keep an eye out for signs that your child is having issues in school.
Asheville Academy can help
Asheville Academy is a therapeutic boarding school for girls, ages 10 to 14, grappling with academic struggles, depression, anxiety, and other behavioral or emotional issues.
For more information about Asheville Academy, contact us today at 800-264-8709!
