Learning and Teaching Tips and Strategies
This week, a 60 second strategy on Culture: Dignify the Struggle.
It is important to show students that struggle is not a sign of weakness but an important part of the learning process.
The way teachers frame both effort and error directly shapes motivation and a sense of belonging. When difficulty is normalised and welcomed, we create a classroom with high expectations and strong support.
Top tips:
- Model struggle by narrating your own errors in thinking:
e.g. “Let’s try a different approach because the first one didn’t work.”
- Pre-frame difficulty to show it’s supposed to be hard:
e.g. “This is challenging- and that’s exactly why we’re doing it.”
- Use subject-specific encouragement:
e.g.
Maths: “In problem solving, feeling stuck means you’re thinking deeply.”
Art: “Reworking your sketch shows your commitment to mastering your technique.”
English: “You’re editing like a real writer by showing resilience.”
- Encourage reflection on struggle after a task:
e.g. “Which part was the most challenging? How did you push through it?”
Explicitly recognising struggle as a normal part of learning creates a classroom space where success feels achievable.
What is the next step? Read about how success drives motivation.
Mia's notes
If there are any concerns about Equality and Diversity (staff) at GHS please contact A Johal (DHT)
