Teaching in Remedial Classroom

Teaching remedial classes to adult learners is not always an easy job. It requires a great deal of patience and determination. There are some really great teachers who just cannot teach remedial classes. Before you take the plunge and sign on for a semester, you need to careful assess and think through a few key things.

First, do you have the temperament to do this? These students lack the skills they need to be at college level. It may have been several years since they have heard this material, or they may have had it presented in a way that did not make sense to them. That is why they are in your class. You will have three types of students. The first is they very needy type. They are eager to be in your class, but they need a lot of help. The second type is the middle of the road student. They know this is where they need to start, and they want to learn. The third type is the student who does not think they need any remedial courses. These students may be outwardly hostile or passive aggressive. You need to prepared to deal with all three of these students all at the same time. The needy students will wear you down. The aggressive students will make you miserable. Are you ready for that?

Another struggle is finding in class activities and other aids. The material you are covering is usually taught to children and teens. Much of the lesson plans and activities you will find online will be targeted towards that age group. You can find things to help you, but it takes more time and digging. Many times you are on your own for making examples that aren't targeted for a much younger audience.

The other thing to keep in mind is how are you going to make your classroom environment less intimidating. Yes, you need to make sure the teacher/student authority structure is always in place. However, you do not want your students to feel uncomfortable. Many students in remedial classes struggle with thinking they are stupid. You do not want to add to that fear by making them afraid to approach you. If they have questions, you want them to come to you. If life happens and they need to miss class or need more time on an assignment, you want them to tell you about it. You want your students to succeed. You do not want the reason they get too far behind and stop coming to class be because they did not want to approach you.

One way to start cultivating that relationship with your students is to find common ground. I teach remedial English Composition. I start off each semester by explaining I am still in the same boat they are. I am still writing. However, now instead of due dates, I have deadlines. Even with all the writing classes in the world, even the best writers in the world make errors. I still use a peer editing system. Instead of being graded, I am critiqued and told to make changes by editors. Now I'm not just some girl with a degree spouting off grammar rules, we all have something in common.

Watching your students grow in self confidence and become proficient in your coursework is an awesome sight. As you watch them advance through out their college career it becomes an even bigger reward. It is a great job to have. The better prepared you are, the more beneficial it will be for your students.