What should a substitute do if they notice a student is struggling with material?

Providing additional support and encouragement is essential for a substitute teacher, particularly when they notice a student struggling with material. This approach fosters a positive classroom environment and helps build the student's confidence and motivation. Acknowledging a student's struggles and offering assistance shows that the teacher cares about their learning and well-being. It can involve offering explanations, providing resources, or simply encouraging the student to persevere.

Taking the initiative to support a student not only helps them improve academically but also supports their emotional and social development. In a substitute teaching scenario, where the teacher may have limited time to create rapport with students, offering encouragement can make a significant difference in that student’s day and potentially their long-term attitude towards learning.

In contrast, ignoring the situation dismisses the student’s needs and could lead to further struggles or feelings of isolation. Advising a student to study harder alone does not provide the necessary support and may leave them feeling frustrated or overwhelmed. Assigning additional work without addressing the underlying issue may also exacerbate the problem, as it does not directly assist the student in understanding the material they are struggling with.