How to Support Students: 7 Effective Strategies for Teachers

High school educators face a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Supporting adolescents through academic pressures, social complexities, and personal growth requires a nuanced approach. We know that student success is multifaceted, encompassing both academic achievement and emotional well-being.

From navigating rigorous coursework to fostering motivation, teachers play an indispensable role in shaping the trajectory of their students' lives. In this post, we'll explore seven actionable strategies designed to empower high school educators and help their students thrive.

1. Set a Clear Classroom Routine

High schoolers may no longer be younger kids, but they still need routines. With a structured routine in place, the classroom is more likely to run smoothly. When students know what to expect each day, they are more focused and act out less frequently. 

It might take some time, but when teachers set clear procedures at the start of the school year, it goes a long way to reduce disruptions later. This lets the teacher focus on teaching instead of spending significant time managing problems. 

Classroom management is also an important part of the daily routine. Teachers should make the rules clear from day one. For example, set discussion rules such as raising hands before speaking and listening without interrupting. Offering students some agency in the classroom sends the message that they can manage their behavior based on their own ideas. After reviewing your predetermined expectations, find a way to let students offer their own input and add those to your classroom plan.

‍2. Help Students Reflect on Their Learning

Another effective way teachers can support students is by encouraging them to think about how they learn. This is called metacognition, and it can help students recognize when they need support. It also helps students become more independent and better learners because they develop the habit of self-monitoring.

Here are a few ways teachers can help students develop metacognition and, by extension, learn how to ask for support when they need it:

• Use open-ended questions: Ask students questions such as “How do you think you’re doing in this class?” or “What’s one strategy that has helped you succeed?” This helps them reflect on their progress and identify areas where they may need more support.
• Reflect after tests or projects: After a test or project, ask simple questions like “How did you prepare for this?” or “What would you do differently next time?” This helps them think about their study habits.

When students develop the habit of reflecting on their progress, they will eventually become more aware of their strengths and the areas where they need to improve.

3. Use Different Teaching Methods

Students learn in different ways, so using a mix of teaching methods can provide more tailored support. This is especially important in classrooms with students who have learning difficulties that require accommodations or Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Even in general education classrooms, some students understand lessons better through visuals, while others prefer hands-on activities or discussions.

By varying teaching methods, teachers can help more students understand the material better. For example, instead of lecturing for the entire class, teachers can spend some time explaining a topic and then use videos, group activities, or discussions to reinforce learning.

4. Build Positive Relationships With Students

High school students can tell when a teacher truly cares about them. When students feel seen and valued, it can make a difference in their motivation and success. Every student, even the ones who seem distant or uninterested, deserves support and encouragement. This is why teachers need to take time to connect with their students on a personal level.

Here are some ways teachers can show they care about each student and build a positive relationship with them:

• Learn about their interests and hobbies
• Celebrate their achievements
• Greet them warmly each day

Students who feel supported are more likely to stay engaged, ask for help when they need it, and give their best effort.

5. Create a Supportive Space for Students

High school can be stressful, and teachers can support students by creating a space where they feel comfortable talking, knowing that someone is really listening. Students are more likely to speak up about academic struggles, personal concerns, or even the stress of everyday life when they feel safe to share their thoughts without fear of judgment.

Here are some ways teachers can create this kind of environment:

• Encourage open conversations
• Listen actively and without judgment
• Show students that their voices matter
• Offer anonymous question boxes

6. Keep Learning and Growing as a Teacher

It's important for teachers to keep learning in their field to support students effectively. The world is always changing, and new ideas and better ways to teach are constantly emerging.

Teachers may eventually lose their passion for teaching and supporting students if they keep repeating the same teaching methods year after year. This can affect students’ interest in learning, especially since they can easily notice when a lesson lacks energy.

To make a real difference in the classroom, teachers need to explore new teaching methods through online forums or workshops. Introducing new activities can also make learning more exciting for both students and teachers. Additionally, continuous learning leads to professional development and can boost teachers’ confidence.

7. Be Clear About Expectations

High school students do better when they understand what’s expected of them. At the start of the school year, teachers can give students a syllabus that explains grading, assignment due dates, and class expectations. A clear rubric helps students understand how their work will be graded when they are given essays, projects, or lab work.

For example, if a student receives a low grade on a project but isn’t given feedback, they may not understand what went wrong or how to improve. Instead, it is more helpful to offer specific comments, such as pointing out unclear arguments in an essay or suggesting ways to strengthen a science report. This gives students the guidance they need to do better next time.

It also helps to check in with students about their progress from time to time. Encourage them to track their grades to prevent surprises. That way, they have a chance to ask for help before falling too far behind. If a student is struggling, meet with them to create a plan that can help them get back on track.

Make Student Success Easier With Pathways

In summary, teachers have a significant impact on their students' lives. Besides helping them to do well in school, teachers who know how to support students in the right way can boost their confidence and give them the tools they need to thrive in school and beyond.

To make this even easier, schools should consider using Pathways. This tool offers a simple yet effective way to track student progress to make sure they are on the right path to graduation. It helps teachers see important milestones, such as test scores and course requirements, all in one place. 

Additionally, Pathways simplifies administrative tasks, freeing up valuable time for teachers. This allows them to connect more with students and give them the support they need.

If your school is interested in new ways to improve the learning experience for children, you may also be interested in automating tasks and streamlining processes so that your teachers have more time to teach. Education Advanced offers a large suite of tools that may be able to help:

• Evaluation: A solution for documenting every step of the staff evaluation process, including walk-throughs, self-evaluations, supporting evidence, reporting, and performance analytics.
• Pathways: A graduation tracking tool that enables administrators and counselors to create, track, and analyze graduation pathways, ensuring secondary students stay on track to graduate.
• TestHound: Our test accommodation software helps schools coordinate thousands of students across all state and local K-12 assessments while considering various accommodations, such as for reading disabilities, physical disabilities, and translations.