Asking for help seems to be a difficult task for middle level scholars. On the other hand, elementary school scholars are more prone to ask questions when they do not understand something. In addition, elementary level scholars are not as judgmental of each other as scholars in the middle level. Young teens become extremely judgmental of one another and peer pressure takes center stage and middle level scholars become more concerned about what their peers think than what they, themselves, think.
Encouraging young teens to ask questions when unclear about something requires teachers to ask scholars, individually, what questions they may have about a topic or directions. For example, after directions are given to the class, teachers should move throughout the classroom to each scholar or each group of scholars and ask scholars, “how are they coming along? or what questions do you have about…” Asking these questions usually opens the door for scholars to ask questions when they are in doubt. This strategy prevents scholars from having to ask questions within the whole group and seems to be one-on-one with the teacher; one-on-one with the teacher seems less intimidating, which makes scholars feel more comfortable with asking questions. The more students ask questions the more they learn; if students are not asking questions, they may not be learning.
…if students are not asking questions, they may not be learning.
In conclusion, if scholars develop a habit of asking questions when they are in doubt about something, then hopefully they will become more comfortable with asking questions in a whole group setting. Questions render answers, and answers can increase knowledge. So, encourage your scholars to ask questions
Why on earth shouldn’t students ask help from each other? That recommendation makes zero sense in the light of cntemporary learning theories!
Seeking or offering help and support when needed is an important skill beloning to the relationship skills in CASEL wheel. Unfortunately this skill is very underdeveloped in classrooms where students are expected to sit quietly until the teacher asks a question. Designing learning experiences that focus on dialogue is much more helpful than the teacher controlling every discussion. https://notesfromnina.com/2021/11/10/dialogues-that-enhance-learning/
Students supporting each other also increases their learner agency.
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Nina
Thank you so much for you elaboration on the importance of this skill. When my podcast is up and running I would like to have you share more on this social skill. Please send me your me email address to iEducate365consulting@gmail.com. Thanks again.