Asking for help when you need it does not show weakness, it shows tremendous strength.
This is an idea we foster strongly at IFS. Students are encouraged to seek support, assistance and guidance when they are struggling or unsure of a concept or idea. Ultimately students’ learning is their responsibility, I am not going to do it for them, but if they require help then they need to take the initiative and approach a teacher for assistance.
Often in society individuals, especially men, are discouraged from asking for help as it shows weakness and incapability. This is a stigma I would like to remove from our classroom environment. I often say to our students, “no one can save you if they don’t know you are drowning”. It is better for students to come to me, admitting they are unsure, than get to a task due date and not submit any work because they “didn’t understand”.
Students at IFS are led to be responsible for their learning – this means making choices about where to sit, how best to work and seeking out support and guidance when required. I have seen many students go from strength to strength in asking for help – some, who last year would have never come up to me, are now choosing to sit close by when assistance is needed so they know where I am. This shows a growth in both confidence and strength.
Please help me in assuring your son or daughter that asking for help does not show weakness but takes tremendous strength.
Leave a Reply