Are you looking for ways to simplify difficult concepts for struggling students? If so, keep reading.
1. Utilize several modalities (e.g., auditory, visual, tactile, etc.) when presenting instructions, explanations, and instructional content . Ascertain which modality is stronger and utilize that modality.
2. Utilize concrete examples of experiences in teaching ideas and sharing information with the students.
3. Daily, examine those skills, ideas, tasks, etc., that have been previously introduced.
4. Utilize images, diagrams, the smartboard, and gestures when delivering information orally.
5. Praise the student for listening to what is said: (a) give the student a concrete reward (e.g., classroom privileges, line leading, five minutes free time, passing out learning materials, etc.) or (b) give the student an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).
6. Get the student to repeat or rephrase what is said to them to ascertain what they heard.
7. Praise the student for listening carefully based on the duration of time the student can be successful. As the student shows success, slowly increase the duration of time required for reinforcement.
8. Converse with the student to explain (a) what they are doing wrong (e.g., failing to listen carefully) and (b) what the student should be doing (e.g., listening carefully).
9. Assess the difficulty level of information orally delivered to the student (i.e., information should be communicated on the student’s capacity and ability level).
10. Get the student to question any directions, explanations, instructions, etc.; they do not understand.
11. Provide the student with instructions, explanations, or presentations of ideas. As the student shows success, slowly increase the length of the instructions, explanations, or presentations of ideas.
12. Provide a consistent format for the delivery of oral instructions.
13. Make sure the student is paying attention to the source of information (e.g., making eye contact, hands are free of writing learning materials, looking at the task, etc.).
14. Give the student written directions and instructions to supplement oral directions and instructions.
15. Place emphasis on or repeat word endings, keywords, etc.
16. Talk concisely when delivering directions, explanations, and instructions.
17. Put the student near the source of information.
18. Minimize distracting stimuli (e.g., noise and motion in the classroom) to enable the student’s capacity and ability to listen successfully.
19. Separate at crucial points when delivering directions, explanations, and instructions to ascertain the student’s comprehension.
20. Provide directions, explanations, and instructions at an appropriate rate.
21. Use digital storytelling to help struggling students grasp new concepts.
22. Use gamification to help struggling students grasp new concepts.
