A student who does not perform well in class can be trying, especially for the teacher who in most cases puts in a lot of effort to see all students succeed as far as education is concerned.  

Educationists believe that some teachers may not know what to do in this situation, while others might get overwhelmed.

To be helpful to such learners, experts say it is a teacher’s responsibility to ensure that all students get what is required.

What teachers should do

For instance, Celestine Habimana, a teacher at Mubano Primary School in Kicukiro,   believes that a student’s poor performance in class is based on many factors.

He points out that as a teacher, getting to know each and every student well, especially those in their class, could help.

"Try to involve the parents of these students in their academic life, because issues at home could also be behind their poor performance,” he says.

He adds that parents need to be informed on what is going on with their children at school. Giving parents specifics on what to do or not to do as far as nurturing is concerned is important.

Agnes Uwamahoro, an English teacher at Little Angels in Remera, says that teachers should schedule extra time for failing students to tackle the issues they are facing.

Paul Oga, dean of students at Green Hills Academy, believes that it’s important for teachers to identify the weakness of such students because they are in a better position to do so.

He says that they should find out what is behind their failure, and offer the required assistance.

Oga says that teachers and parents should also try to instil good study habits by providing a quiet environment without distractions like TV, radio, and computer games, among others.

"Teachers should try different instruction techniques because students learn differently. Some learn through action and others verbally, thus, different approaches are crucial when it comes to helping students,” Oga says.

Teachers need to guide students on how to tackle exams, and practice ways of answering unbiased or structured questions and essays, to mention a few, says Uwamahoro.

Aminadhad Niyonshuti, a teacher at Apaper Complex School in Kicukiro, says teachers need to give examples of what an examiner would look for.

Niyoshunti adds that parents should also encourage their children to work hard and not be mad when they fail to deliver.

"Although it can be frustrating, parents should imagine how they feel and provide a helping hand where necessary,” he says.

He mentions that, for instance, praising or rewarding them for any success or improvement is important and that helping them work hard to achieve their dream is best.

Also, he says some students may be capable of improving their grades, but they lack requirements, like scholastic materials.

"Parents should provide the school materials needed, especially if the children are candidates. With that, there will be low chances of a poor performance,” he adds.

Jackyline Irabagiza, a matron at Martyrs School in Remera, says that parents should also allow students to participate in extracurricular activities.

She explains that some parents are strict when it comes to letting their children participate in other activities that are not academic and therein is the problem.

"Helping your child nurture their talent is important as it can boost academic performance,” she says.

Parents should understand that excelling only in academics is not enough; students need to be flexible in other areas in order to make it in life, she says.

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