Home | How It Works | Stats Login | Register         Case: I just cannot do this! After teaching for a few years, I have witnessed many students who say "I cannot do this." However, these students always seem to find a way to work through their problems and become successful in the end. However, I had a student you was very defiant in knowing that they would never understand anything I taught. For example, one day I took time during class to physical sit down with this student and work step by step with them on a problem. In the end, they believed we were working it incorrectly and completely erased all the work we had just accomplished. They kept believing that they were stupid and would never get the material that was being taught. It gets frustrating here a student believe this about themselves and it seems that I cannot do anything to change their mind. What can I do? Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!) If it turns out that the student does not have a learning disability, but more lack of motivation, and perhaps not a great positive encouraging support system at home, I have another idea. Knowing their interest and what motivates them is an important first strategy because this can be worked into the strategy for teaching them. Making the material as relevant as possible to their lives is key. But in the case that this still is not working, then a little psychology needs to take place. What skill or concept does this student know how to do, no matter how small it is? Have them teach a fellow student or younger student this skill, build their confidence up in this way. Along with continuous positive words about their ability to learn, and try, and being willing. Keep pressing in the importance of trying, not perfection.