Sometimes students fail, not because they are stupid, but it could be that they are slow learners who need extra guidance. In this case, teachers have to work with parents to enable students to keep up for better class results.

"Teachers should show concern and find out the weakest point of a student so that they work on it, that is to say, it can be introversion where one fails to express themselves in class thinking their answers or opinions are wrong. Students need to be persuaded to pay attention in class so that they do not miss out on any point a teacher makes in class. If they have a question, they should always ask the teacher to explain in detail,” says Emmy Ntigurirwa, a teacher at G.S School Rurambo.

He adds that when children are given homework, parents should guide and assist them on how to tackle the questions, however, this does not mean doing the work for them because their thinking will be ‘slowed down’. If an exam is set, a student will not be able to answer well since they didn’t put in any effort to do the work themselves.

Israel Oluwaseyi, Dean of Students at Green Hills Academy, Nyarutarama, explains that teachers ought to set an excellent class culture in the way classes and lessons are conducted. For example, a good culture will set rules at the very beginning of the school year where misbehaviour will be dealt with and the right tone set. This will encourage excellence from the very beginning and students will not lag behind.

Oluwaseyi states that periodic making of notes is necessary, where teachers must ensure that it is done frequently as to assist them in noticing any lapses quickly and get them corrected.

"Some teachers, who do not mark notes for the entire term, or throughout the whole academic session, abuse the process. When marking is done more often, lapses will be detected on time and corrective measures taken,” Oluwaseyi says.

He also says that if students and children are re-taught certain concepts that they find hard, it will keep them on track.

According to Collins Odhiambo, a teacher and counsellor, teachers should practice diversity while teaching; they should teach children information that is of their age and level, and also, teachers ought to plan for their students, they should teach the content that matches the time available for it.

To him, slow learners should be given extra time to explain concepts to them that they are not conversant with for better understanding.

Odhiambo urges teachers to create forums where students are given a chance to ask questions on areas they don’t understand. Through that, students can freely consult their teachers on any topic they wish to know better.

He also calls upon teachers to have a working relationship with their learners in order to teach them, as this also encourages students to ask teachers without fear - you cannot love the subject if you hate the teacher.

Others’ say

Martin Kwizera, a graduate and a resident of Kimironko, says that children need to stop cram work because it puts them off line and never allows them to think. If it is a math calculation they must learn the working, and not just cram how to get the answer.

"Revise more often, especially in those subjects you are poor at, calculate a number at least every day, but also, teachers should endeavour to give corrections after marking children’s homework as this will allow children to and not fail the next time,”Kwizera explains.

Annet Bayisenga, a mother and a resident of Kibagabaga, advises students to study effectively, especially in their free time as it will help them recall what was taught in class.

She also says that students must give themselves quizzes after revision in order to know if they grasped what they read. However, if they fail some questions, it is an indicator that they still need to read even harder.

Bayisenga urges teachers to give as many examples as possible while teaching since it would help even the slow learners know what is being taught, and, have questions and answer sessions.

Kwizera encourages students to drop the idea of preferring some subjects to others because they are easy, while neglecting the ones they deem hard. Each subject should be given time for one to balance all.

Bayisenga suggests discussion groups where bright students mingle with slow learners to help them where they need assistance, since sometimes, students understand better what is explained to them by their peers.

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