What is being a student like?

What is a teacher to do about a student like this?

• A student who you think is doing very well in their work and gets on with it quietly in lessons. To your surprise, when this student hands in their work, they're actually failing quite badly. They obviously have low self-esteem and are therefore probably too afraid to ask for help. You know this student is really struggling but they don't have the confidence to talk about it and as a result sit in class like there's nothing wrong. When trying to approach them, they don't want to communicate. If you are able to engage in a conversation with this person, they give one word answers and look awkward. What would you do?

• Answer:

  Dear Sammy, I feel you... When I was in your shoes, I started a journal writing session for each of my lesson... I'll give my students reflective titles such as " Dear teacher, I have to tell you something...." To my surprise, the so- called zombified students in my class respond well and they actually pour out their thoughts in writing... Once identifying their weaknesses and problems, I'll indirectly give them tips on how to overcome it in class... On top of that, VIRTUAL lessons work wonders... I have tried it that too... I have received many emails from my students regarding their learning disabilities and personal problems... They have to come out of their self built cocoon and approach you themselves...