The Heartbreak of Hearing Students Struggle to Meet Minimum Grades

It is disheartening for any educator to witness a student struggling to meet the minimum grade requirements in a class, despite their genuine efforts. As a professor, I have encountered this situation on multiple occasions, and it truly bums me out when I see it happen. Sometimes, no matter how much I guide and support these students, it just doesn’t seem to work.

Every Student Has Their Challenges

Algebra and basic arithmetic often pose significant hurdles for many students. When it comes to math, particularly beyond the fundamental operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, the challenge can be daunting for some. However, just like me, they excel in other areas. For the students who are dedicated and studying hard but still not achieving the required grades, I try to remind them that it's okay to feel challenged in a particular subject. Everyone has something they're not naturally good at, and overcoming those difficulties can be humbling yet rewarding.

Personal Reflections and Solutions

Although such situations are not common for me, when they do arise, it is genuinely sad. In my area of expertise, Information Technology (IT), the internet is filled with resources that can help. Sometimes, the problem lies not in the lack of effort but rather in the way the material is presented. A resource that explains concepts in a different manner might make all the difference for a struggling student.

Assessments and Prerequisites

It is important to note that these challenges often stem from two primary issues: inadequate work put in by the student or a lack of necessary course prerequisites. If a student is putting in significant effort and has the prerequisites but is still falling short, it can be incredibly frustrating for both the student and the educator.

As a professor in adult education, part of my job involves working with students whose primary goal is to achieve part-time degrees. We strive to assess the prerequisites of applicants, even though we do not have strict entry requirements. Counseling out students who are unlikely to succeed, especially those who are paying fees, is a delicate process. Sometimes, a poor start can suddenly turn around, and unexpectedly, grades might start to improve. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and the most heartfelt students, who are keen and earnest, may still struggle and ultimately not meet the minimum grade requirements.