Many students find school stressful and frustrating when they fall behind. With the right support, they can overcome these struggles and do well. This guide is for teachers, parents, and students. It explains why academic struggles happen and five practical ways to help.
On this page 5 sections
Start by understanding why the student is struggling
Before choosing a strategy, find out what is behind the difficulty. Common causes include:
- A learning disability
- Attention deficit disorder
- Low motivation
- Poor study habits
- Too little support from teachers or parents
- Little interest in the subject
Finding the root cause comes first. A student who has never learned how to study needs different help from a student with a learning disability or one who has lost interest in the subject.
Five ways to help students overcome academic challenges
1. Give the right support and resources
Students who get extra academic help are more likely to catch up and succeed. Teachers, parents, or tutors can offer this help. It may include:
- Extra academic assistance, such as remediation or tutoring
- Training in study skills
- Counseling
- Access to learning materials, such as textbooks, computer programs, or educational software
2. Encourage a growth mindset
A growth mindset is the belief that intelligence and abilities can grow through hard work, perseverance, and dedication. The idea comes from psychologist Carol Dweck. When teachers and parents promote this mindset, students see a hard lesson as a chance to learn, not a wall they cannot climb. This builds resilience, motivation, and self-efficacy, which means a student’s belief that they can succeed.
3. Create a positive learning environment
Students learn better where they feel valued, respected, and safe. A positive classroom is:
- Supportive: students know they can ask for help.
- Engaging: lessons hold their attention.
- Inclusive: every learner belongs.
- A community: students feel connected to one another.
Research on school climate, including work by Cohen and Geier (2010), links positive school climates to higher achievement and fewer dropouts.
4. Build effective study habits
Good study habits help students work smarter. Teach them to:
- Manage their time well
- Take useful notes
- Think critically
- Learn actively instead of only reading or listening
Teachers and parents can also give students a structured place to study, such as a study group or a quiet study space at home or in school.
5. Make a personal plan for each student
Every student is different and may need a different kind or amount of support. Approach each student with empathy, understanding, and flexibility. Build a plan that fits the student. Then check their progress and adjust the plan when something is not working.
What teachers, parents, and students can each do
| Who | What they can do |
|---|---|
| Teachers | Find the cause of the struggle, give extra help, keep the classroom supportive and inclusive, and teach study skills |
| Parents | Give support at home, provide a quiet study space, and encourage effort over “being smart” |
| Students | Treat challenges as chances to learn, manage study time, take notes, and ask for help early |
Key takeaway
Helping a struggling student takes more than one fix. Find the root cause, give the right support, encourage a growth mindset, keep the learning environment positive, and build good study habits. When teachers, parents, and students work together and keep adjusting their plan, struggling learners can thrive and reach their goals.
Frequently asked questions
What are common causes of academic struggles?
Common causes include learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, low motivation, poor study habits, too little support from teachers or parents, and lack of interest in the subject. Finding the root cause is the first step to helping.
What is a growth mindset?
A growth mindset is the belief that intelligence and abilities can be developed through hard work, perseverance, and dedication. It helps students see challenges as chances to learn rather than obstacles they cannot overcome.
How can parents help a child who is struggling in school?
Parents can give support at home, provide a quiet and structured place to study, and encourage a growth mindset. They can also work with teachers to find the cause of the difficulty and agree on a plan.
What study habits help students improve?
Useful habits include managing time well, taking good notes, thinking critically, and learning actively. Study groups and quiet study spaces also help.
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