Coaching Students How To Ask For Help

It’s true. Many students fail because they did not ask for help. Failure to ask for help results in poor academic performance, stronger challenges with future education, and lowered self-esteem. There are countless reasons why students don’t ask for help, but MileStone Academy educators have created several strategies to coach students how to ask for help. Wherefore, its student become stronger advocates of their learning styles. In order to find a solution, we must first and foremost answer the following three questions: Does the student know they need help? Why do students struggle to ask teachers for extra help? Has the teacher created a safe space to encourage their students to ask for help?

In this article we will discuss three techniques MileStone Academy use to coach students how to ask for help.

IMPROVE META-COGNITION 

Meta-cognition refers to a student’s awareness and ability to control their own thinking. Parents and teachers usually act as arbitrator for students. Students first need to know that they need help, and then they need to understand that they’ll be supported when they ask for it. This should begin as early as elementary school.

It is important for parents and teachers to allow students to self-monitor pre-and post-performance. Essentially, encourage self-awareness. For example, after a test or project, try asking open-ended questions. An open-ended question is a question that cannot be answered with a “yes” or “no” response. Open-ended questions allow respondents to include more information, including feelings, attitudes and understanding of the subject. Try using these open-ended questions after their next test or project:

Try using these open-ended questions after their next test or project:

• Can you tell me at least one thing that has helped you to be successful? What would you have done differently? How did you prepare for the __? 
• Which strategies do you want to try using more often? 
• How do you think you’re doing in _____? 
• How do you know, and have you confirmed this information with your teacher? 

Self-awareness should grow outside of school work, because it plays a valuable role in the progress of emotional and social situations. Writing down your thoughts, also known as, journaling allows people to observe their thoughts and feelings. This allows them to gain valuable self-knowledge. 

HELP ME, HELP YOU

When a student does not pass or do their best performance on a project or test, the first thing their parent and teacher asks is: Why didn’t you ask for extra help? Unfortunately, many students, at any age, struggle to ask teachers for extra help for various reasons. They may feel shame or embarrassment. For example, teachers often notice when a student is sitting in silence with a look of confusion and will call their name to encourage them to organize their thoughts or ask for help. Other students are independent and would rather try to fix the problem on their own. They may fear that asking for help shows weakness or failure in their personality, yet wise adults could tell them that asking for help is instead a sign of maturity and strength.

MileStone Academy helps students understand how they learn best and allow them to be advocates for their own learning by teaching them how to ask for help.

TWO WORDS: SAFE SPACE

Many people would agree that they would not ask for help if they thought someone would laugh at them. Therefore, students need to feel safe in order to be vulnerable and honest enough to ask for help. Team-building activities increase the sense of community in the classroom. Coach students by creating posters that reiterate classroom rules and values and hang inspiring quotes on the walls have been very successful at MileStone Academy.

Another awesome method for teachers to promote an open and affirming classroom is to: BE HONEST TOO. When a teacher makes a mistake, accidentally or on purpose, use this as an opportunity to talk about flaws and how to be strong in self-awareness. Plus, students enjoy catching their teacher making mistakes! 😋

Do you know a student who needs coaching on how to ask for help? Contact the Cox Firm to schedule your first or next consultation.