School can be a challenging environment for students. It is not uncommon for students to need assistance. Despite this need, how many of your students feel comfortable asking for help? The question becomes why do students struggle to ask for help? Is it because they feel embarrassed or because they are not sure how to go about it? So, what can we do? Have you considered embedding processes for your students to ask for help? Specific strategies can go a long way in addressing this issue. In this blog post, we will explore some effective ways to embed processes for students to ask for help while at school.
School can be a challenging environment for students. It is not uncommon for students to need assistance. Despite this need, how many of your students feel comfortable asking for help?
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Create a Safe and Supportive Environment
One of the most important steps in embedding processes for students to ask for help is to create a safe and supportive environment. This means creating a culture where students feel comfortable asking for help without fear of judgment or stigma. Teachers and school staff can achieve this by being approachable, empathetic, and non-judgmental. Encouraging students to share their thoughts and feelings can also help create a sense of belonging and trust. What strategies are you currently using to create safe and supportive classroom environments?
Use Technology to Facilitate Communication
Technology can be a powerful tool for embedding processes for students to ask for help. For example, teachers can use online platforms. Google Classroom or Microsoft Teams to communicate with students and provide support outside of the classroom. These platforms allow students to ask questions and receive feedback in a safe and private environment. Teachers can also use messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Discord Groups, or Slack to communicate with students and provide support in real-time. Does your class use technology to communicate currently?
Implement a Peer Support Program
Peer support programs can be an effective way to embed processes for students to ask for help. These programs involve pairing students with a peer mentor who can provide academic and emotional support. Peer mentors can help students with homework, provide study tips, and offer guidance on how to manage stress and anxiety. By working with a peer mentor, students can feel more comfortable asking for help. Peer mentors can also build important social and emotional skills. The National Mentoring Partnership offers a FREE checklist for schools to get started. Access it here.
Provide Clear Guidelines for Asking for Help
Supplying clear procedures for asking for help can help students overcome their hesitation to ask for help. Teachers can provide instructions on when and how to ask for help, such as during office hours or via email. They can also give clear expectations. The expectations could include how long it will take to receive a response and what type of help is available. Clear guidelines, students can feel more confident in their ability to ask for help and get the support they need.
Offer Multiple Channels for Asking for Help
Not all students feel comfortable asking for help in the same way. Some may prefer to ask questions in person, while others may prefer to communicate online. Offering multiple channels for asking for help can help ensure that all students have access to the support they need. For example, teachers can offer office hours, email support, and online chat support to accommodate different learning styles and preferences.
Embedding Support For Students
Embedding processes for students to ask for help can set the stage for creating an inclusive learning environment. Which process will you embed into your current practice? Will you begin using technology to facilitate communication? How about implementing a peer support program. If you are not sure consider beginning by adhering to clear guidelines for asking for help. You could also start by incorporating multiple channels for asking for students to ask for assistance. No matter what you choose, the key is to help ensure all students have the access to the support they need to succeed.
