Problems in the classroom

Practical advice for sorting out difficulties

School can be a stressful place. If you don't enjoy going to school, it can make learning difficult.

Trouble keeping up in class

If you have trouble keeping up with your class work, you may find that you slip behind. Sometimes students get taunted for being slow and this can be very hurtful. If you are having difficulities learning, you may feel embarrassed and try to hide it by being disruptive in class. Having problems learning may make you feel bad about yourself and affect your confidence.

Overcoming difficulties

There are many ways to overcome learning difficulties. Firstly, talk to your school counsellor or a teacher you trust about your difficulities. They may be able to get you special help, or encourage you to work with other people who understand your needs. Many schools have special sessions to help people with their reading or other learning needs. Ask your counsellor/teacher what is available.

Talking problems through with someone helps

Talk to someone you trust about how you feel. Once you get help it may be easy to overcome a learning problem, but sometimes your feelings about it are hard to deal with. Make time to talk to your parents, friends, counsellor or teacher about the things that upset you, and how they can help you overcome them.

Trouble with teachers

Sometimes people don't get along with their teachers. Teachers can be demanding and expect a lot from their students. They may expect a lot in terms of how much work you do in the classroom and at home. Teachers might make it difficult for you, especially if a teacher doesn't understand your special needs or learning difficulties. If one teacher in particular is giving you a hard time, you could ask the school counsellor to talk to them on your behalf.

Even after you have tried to make it better and you still find that the situation with a particular teacher does not improve, there may be steps you can take to make a complaint about the way a teacher treats you.

Making school a better place to be

School can be a very unhappy place if you encounter any of these problems. It is a good idea to talk about your concerns with someone you trust. You may find that once you do, the situation improves and school becomes a more enjoyable place to be.