Handling Slow Learners
Slow learners: Identifying Them and Taking Remedial Steps
Learning
is an essential but complicated process that we follow life-long,
from the moment we utter our first syllable to the time when we
proudly hold high our college diplomas, and beyond- in our first
job and subsequent ones, while teaching our children: the
list continues…
In today’s world, unfortunately, ‘learning’
has become a one-size-fits-all process that is not tailored to
suit a person’s abilities. This conformation of learning is especially
true of our conventional school systems. The problem, however, is
that not all children can adapt to such a rigid style of
learning. Some children just cannot cope with the fast-paced and rigid
approach that is characteristic of conventional teaching. Due to
this, a gap forms between their true ability and their
performance level and such children are then dubbed ‘Slow
Learners’.
What does it mean to be a slow learner?
First and foremost, it is important to understand
that slow learning is not a learning disability that can be classified
as a diagnostic category. It is simply a term used to describe
a student with the ability to acquire all necessary academic
skills, but at a rate and depth below that of the average student.
In order to grasp new concepts, a slow learner needs more time, more
repetition, and often, more resources from teachers to be successful.
Reasoning skills are typically delayed, which makes new concepts difficult
to grasp.
What are some of the
challenges, educational and otherwise, faced by slow learners?
Methodical classroom learning is
progressive, which means that the acquisition of new skills will be
based on already learnt concepts. When the majority of the class is
moving at a quicker pace a slow learner tends to be left behind as he
lacks some higher order thinking and reasoning skills. This formation
of knowledge gaps in basic concepts and skills leads to a domino
effect and manifests as a reduced comprehension ability across a wide
spectrum of academic areas. The problem is progressive and should not
be allowed to spiral out of control.
