In every Indian classroom — whether it’s in a bustling metro or a quiet rural town — teachers face the same challenge:
How do we support students when they struggle?
As school leaders, principals, and educators, we want to build confident, capable learners. But today’s students have shorter attention spans, face academic pressure, and often struggle to stay motivated. So how can you, as an educational leader, create a school culture that empowers students rather than letting them fall behind?
Here’s a simple, actionable guide tailored for Indian schools
1. Listen and Empathise
Before jumping to solutions, first listen to what the child is feeling.
Encourage teachers to:
✅ Validate student emotions
✅ Ask open-ended questions (“What do you need from me?”)
✅ Provide small choices that give students a sense of control
In many Indian classrooms, where students are used to top-down instruction, creating space for student voice can work wonders.
2. Model the Right Attitude
Your teachers are role models. When they show persistence and a positive mindset, students follow.
Encourage your staff to use phrases like:
- “This is hard, but I’ll keep trying.”
- “I’m learning from this mistake.”
This teaches students that struggle is part of growth, not something to be ashamed of.
3. Build Confidence with Age-Appropriate Tasks
Indian parents and teachers often do too much for their students. But confidence grows when children handle small, age-appropriate tasks themselves — making their bed, helping at school, or solving a class project.
Empower your school community to give students responsibility and watch them rise to the challenge.
4. Remind Students of Past Successes
When a child says, “I can’t do this,” remind them of the times they succeeded.
Ask:
- What worked for you before?
- How did you overcome that last challenge?
This helps students connect their past growth to their current struggles.
5. Teach Problem-Solving Skills
Sometimes, we jump in too quickly to fix things. Instead, encourage teachers to guide students through a simple process:
1️⃣ What am I feeling?
2️⃣ What’s the problem?
3️⃣ What are the solutions?
4️⃣ What could happen if…?
5️⃣ What will I try?
This builds critical thinking — an essential 21st-century skill for Indian learners.
6. Know When to Step In
Of course, sometimes students need direct help, especially when there’s a safety issue or a gap in their foundational skills. But when teachers step in, they should always highlight the student’s effort and progress, not just the outcome.
Empowering students when they struggle is not just the job of one teacher — it’s a whole-school effort. By creating a culture of empathy, resilience, and problem-solving, Indian schools can help students thrive not just academically but as confident, capable individuals.
Together, let’s empower the next generation of learners!
