The Respect for Persistence: How Teachers View Students Struggling Yet Persevering

As a teacher, the struggle is real. Every classroom harbors a mix of students- some are brimming with potential but lack motivation, while others, facing an uphill battle, continue their quest for understanding and success. It is these latter students- those who struggle yet persist- who hold a special place in teachers’ hearts and command respect. This article explores the admiration and respect teachers have for students who, despite their challenges, maintain a positive attitude and determination.

Introduction

The story begins with a new student who faced significant difficulties in a recent test. Her handwriting was undecipherable and her answers were a jumbled mess. Despite the immediate concern, the student revealed to the teacher that she had the answers but struggled with the format of the test. This incident highlights the importance of understanding the diverse learning needs of students and adapting teaching methods to accommodate them.

A Sampler of Dedicated Students

The teacher, inspired by her experience with the new student, shares more instances of dedicated students who, despite facing challenges, remained driven to succeed:

Student Struggling with Dysgraphia: A girl who was new to the class faced severe dysgraphia, making it nearly impossible for her to write legibly. However, she could answer the questions verbally, showing her true understanding of the material. The teacher’s adaptability and willingness to facilitate her learning demonstrated a crucial aspect of effective teaching. Struggling Reader and Writer: Another student had reading and writing difficulties but exhibited remarkable perseverance. This student requested to take her tests home with notes and consistently submitted them on time. Despite the challenges, her dedication and hard work allowed her to perform well on her tests. Lazy Students: The teacher also reflects on students who chose to ignore their responsibilities, often out of laziness rather than inability. Students like these do not command respect as they lack the determination and effort needed to better themselves and improve their future prospects.

Teacher Perspective on Struggling but Motivated Students

Teachers hold a deep admiration for students who struggle yet maintain a positive attitude and a strong desire to succeed. These students often ask for help and are proactive in their learning journey. Their motivation can lead to unexpected growth and success. For instance, the teacher recounts a case where a student who was struggling in General Science showed remarkable improvement by the end of the semester. Although his final grade was initially predicted to be an F, he scored a B on the final, which was the highest score of his life.

The Impact of Determination

The story concludes with a specific example of a student who initially had a failing grade before the final exam. However, with the teacher’s encouragement and his determination, he managed to pass the class. This example underscores the importance of perseverance and the positive impact of a teacher’s support. The student’s pursuit of academic excellence despite his challenges was a testament to both the power of determination and the teacher's role in nurturing such qualities.

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, teachers often encounter students who struggle with various challenges. However, it is those who demonstrate persistence in the face of adversity that truly hold their admiration and respect. These students are often a joy for teachers to work with, as they are more likely to seek help and exhibit a genuine desire to succeed. The stories shared here emphasize the importance of recognizing and rewarding the effort and determination of these students, rather than just their grades. Ultimately, this approach fosters a positive and nurturing learning environment that encourages all students to reach their full potential.

Keywords

struggling students, motivated students, teacher perception