Engaging Struggling Students: Practical Strategies to Help Them Thrive in a General Ed Classroom

As educators, we know that every classroom is a mix of unique learners. Some students breeze through lessons while others face challenges that make it difficult to keep up. For students who are struggling, it can feel like an uphill battle to succeed in a general education classroom. But here's the good news: there are plenty of effective strategies we can use to support these students and help them thrive.

In this post, we’ll dive into some actionable and realistic ways to engage struggling students. From modifying lessons to offering emotional support, these strategies will create a classroom environment where all students, regardless of their struggles, have the tools they need to succeed.

1. Differentiated Instruction: One Size Does Not Fit All

One of the most effective ways to support struggling students is through differentiated instruction. This approach recognizes that not all students learn in the same way or at the same pace. By offering multiple ways for students to engage with content, we help them access the material in a way that works for them.

Here’s how you can differentiate instruction:

• Content: Provide materials at varying levels of complexity. For example, in a history lesson, give more advanced students primary sources, while offering simplified summaries or videos for students who need extra support.

• Process: Adapt the way you present material. Use visual aids, interactive activities, or hands-on experiments to appeal to different learning styles.

• Product: Let students demonstrate their learning in various ways. Some might write an essay, while others might create a visual presentation or even record a video.

When we give students different options to engage with content, we help them connect with the material in ways that play to their strengths, ultimately boosting their confidence and success.

2. Peer Tutoring: Learning From Each Other

Struggling students can benefit immensely from working with their peers. Peer tutoring fosters collaboration and creates a supportive classroom environment where students can learn from one another.

How to implement peer tutoring:

• Pair struggling students with classmates who are not only academically strong but also patient and supportive. This can be done in small groups or through one-on-one partnerships.

• Use cooperative learning strategies, such as group projects, where students can work together on tasks and share their knowledge.

Peer tutoring doesn’t just benefit the student receiving help—it also reinforces the tutor’s understanding of the material and promotes a collaborative atmosphere in the classroom.

3. Clear and Consistent Routines: Providing Stability

For students who struggle, having clear expectations and structured routines can make a huge difference. A consistent classroom routine provides a sense of security, making it easier for students to focus on their learning.

Here’s how to establish clear routines:

• At the start of each day, share a clear agenda so students know what to expect. Post it visibly in the classroom for all to see.

• Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps and check in with students regularly to keep them on track.

• Use visual schedules and reminders, especially for students who may need additional support with organization.

When students know what to expect, it reduces anxiety and allows them to focus on the tasks at hand, making learning more accessible for everyone.

4. Hands-On and Visual Learning: Engaging the Senses

Struggling students often benefit from hands-on activities and visual learning strategies. These approaches give students a more tangible way to connect with the material and help them better retain what they learn.

Here’s how to incorporate hands-on and visual activities:

• Use manipulatives (e.g., math blocks, flashcards) to help students visualize concepts, especially in subjects like math and science.

• Include project-based learning, where students can build models, create art, or design experiments to explore topics in a more interactive way.

• Use graphic organizers, charts, and diagrams to help students break down complex information into more digestible chunks.

These methods not only make learning more fun but also provide struggling students with a clearer path to understanding.

5. Frequent Feedback and Positive Reinforcement: Building Confidence

Struggling students often lack confidence in their abilities, so providing regular feedback and positive reinforcement is crucial. This helps them see their progress and stay motivated to keep going, even when things are tough.

How to give feedback effectively:

• Offer specific, actionable feedback that highlights what the student did well and how they can improve. Instead of simply saying "good job," let them know exactly what worked and where they can refine their skills.

• Provide timely feedback so students can make adjustments promptly.

• Use positive reinforcement to celebrate small wins. Recognize efforts and improvements, not just big achievements.

Regular feedback shows students that their hard work is being noticed, which builds their confidence and encourages them to continue putting in effort.

6. Social and Emotional Learning (SEL): Supporting the Whole Child

Many struggling students face emotional and social challenges that can interfere with their academic progress. By integrating social and emotional learning (SEL) into your classroom, you can provide these students with the tools they need to manage their emotions, build relationships, and cope with challenges.

How to support SEL:

• Introduce activities that promote self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills. Activities like journaling, role-playing, or discussing emotions can help students understand and manage their feelings.

• Create a classroom culture of kindness and inclusivity. Celebrate diversity and encourage respect for others.

• When students display behavioral challenges, approach the situation with empathy, recognizing that these behaviors may be a result of deeper emotional struggles.

Focusing on SEL helps struggling students not only succeed academically but also develop the emotional resilience they need to navigate challenges inside and outside the classroom.

7. Technology: Tools to Support Learning

In today’s digital age, technology can play a pivotal role in supporting struggling students. By using educational tools, students can engage with the material in interactive ways that meet their specific needs.

Here’s how to use technology effectively:

• Use educational apps and websites that offer interactive lessons, quizzes, and games to reinforce concepts.

• Incorporate assistive technology like text-to-speech software, audiobooks, or speech recognition tools to help students with reading or writing difficulties.

• Provide multimedia lessons, such as videos or podcasts, to offer different ways for students to consume the material.

Technology offers a personalized approach to learning, allowing struggling students to work at their own pace while still being challenged.

8. Building Strong Relationships: Creating a Supportive Environment

Perhaps the most important strategy of all is building strong, positive relationships with your struggling students. When students feel safe, valued, and understood, they are more likely to engage in their learning.

How to build strong relationships:

• Take time to get to know your students individually. Ask about their interests, goals, and challenges.

• Show empathy and create an environment where students feel comfortable sharing their struggles without fear of judgment.

• Celebrate their progress, no matter how small. When students feel recognized for their effort, they’re more likely to stay motivated.

Building trust and rapport with struggling students makes them feel more connected to the classroom and more willing to put in the effort to succeed.

9. Scaffolding: Gradual Release of Responsibility

Scaffolding is an instructional strategy that provides temporary support to students as they develop new skills. Once they’ve gained proficiency, the support is gradually removed, allowing them to become more independent learners.

How to scaffold effectively:

• Start by modeling a task or skill. Work through it together as a class so students can see how it’s done.

• Gradually shift responsibility to the students by encouraging them to complete tasks independently or in small groups, with occasional support as needed.

• Monitor their progress and provide additional help when necessary, but allow them to take ownership of their learning as much as possible.

Scaffolding empowers struggling students by providing them with the tools they need to succeed independently while offering just enough support to prevent them from feeling overwhelmed.

Conclusion: Every Student Can Thrive

When it comes to engaging struggling students, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. But by implementing a mix of differentiated instruction, peer support, consistent routines, hands-on learning, and emotional support, we can help all students—no matter their struggles—thrive in a general education classroom. Every student has the potential to succeed, and with the right strategies in place, they’ll not only overcome challenges but also gain confidence in their abilities. It’s all about giving them the support they need to grow and succeed, one step at a time.