It can be heartbreaking to see a student who has completely lost their motivation and is ready to give up. As a teacher or mentor, it is our duty to help them find a way to regain their spark and keep moving forward. If you are wondering how to help a student who has given up, here are some suggestions that may be useful:
1. Talk to the student
The first step to helping a student is to communicate with them. It is essential to understand why the student is feeling helpless and what is causing them to give up. A one-on-one conversation can make them feel heard and understood. Ask them what they feel passionate about, what they want to achieve, and how they feel about setbacks. Encourage the student to express their emotions and take their time to express themselves fully.
2. Create a plan
After understanding the root cause of the student’s demotivation, it is time to create a plan. Students who feel aimless or overwhelmed usually do better with structure and guidance. Help your student devise a plan that is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Encourage them to break the plan down into small, attainable steps that will build their confidence over time as they complete them one-by-one.
3. Encourage them to take baby steps
When a student has given up on something, it can be tough to get them to start again. Make sure the student understands that taking baby steps toward their goal is better than taking no steps at all. Encourage them to set a small, reasonable goal each day and congratulate them when they achieve it. Success breeds success, and over time, the small achievements will add up, building momentum that will help drive them forward.
4. Focus on their strengths and interests
Often, students give up because they do not feel confident in their abilities or they are not interested enough in a particular subject. As a teacher or mentor, you need to help the student rediscover their strengths and interests. Spend some time with the student discovering what they enjoy doing and what they are good at. Sometimes, it is just a matter of changing the focus, exploring a new angle, or developing a new skill.
5. Celebrate successes, however small
Celebrate even the smallest progress the student makes. Positive feedback and validation can help motivate a student who has given up. Celebrate with the student when they achieve a goal, no matter how small. A word of encouragement or a “well done” can be just what they need to build their confidence.
In conclusion, helping a student who has completely given up on their education or goal is a challenging task. As a teacher or mentor, it is our duty to provide them with guidance, structure, and understanding. By listening, creating a plan, taking baby steps towards the goal, focusing on their strengths and interests, and celebrating successes, however small, we can help the students regain their motivation and belief in themselves.
