Asking for help is not a sign of weakness but strength. It means that you have the courage to admit that you are struggling with something and would like to ask for help. It is very important for students to be able to seek help from their educators without feeling ashamed or any embarrassment.
Strengthen students’ metacognition
What are metacognitive skills? By definition it is a learner’s individual skills to assess if the learning adopted by them is effective or not. This way they assess their level of achievement, select appropriate strategies through trial and error and then re-assess. Teachers and parents can encourage students to take responsibility for their learning from as early as elementary school. Guide the student by asking open-ended questions about their learning process. This will make them reflect on their progress and identify which areas they need support in. This will also make them understand that teachers are there to help.
Brainstorm conversation starters
Teachers should particularly focus on students who are introverts, shy or are anxious about initiating a conversation with them. This will build enough confidence into students to come to you. This will also help them think of many ways to initiate a conversation and in the process seek help.
Create a secure environment
Provide a safe and a secure environment in your classroom. No student will ask for help if he feels that he will be laughed at by his peers. Use team building exercises or activities to build a sense of community feeling in the classroom. Display posters citing classroom rules and values and inspirational quotes on the bulletin board of the classroom.
Help students see themselves as capable of success
Make your students believe in themselves and in their capacity to be successful. Such students are more likely to come forward and ask for help. Highlight each student’s strengths. This way they may even ask for help from their peers.
Source: Ministry of Education.
