-
Describe a recent time when you’ve been discouraged with a student’s progress. Have you witnessed a change in the student’s life, or are you still waiting for that change to occur?
-
I had a student who was on the lower end academically and had a tough time memorizing scripture. Through the year the family and I were in contact of how best we could help the student be more successful. The student knew the importance of trying to memorize the scripture, but the scripture we were set to memorize was not always understood for its meaning by the student. When we started to discuss the verses more in depth and when we as a course could find the verse put to song this helped the student and helped them develop meaning in God’s Word. As this student started to do better at memorizing scripture and understanding it, I saw a behavioral and attitude shift toward a more gracious response during all lessons. I saw God’s Word influencing their worldview of those around them and themselves. It was so encouraging to see.
-
I have a student who has had an extremely tramtic childhood and rejects all things biblical. He also has very little trust in females. He has had many teachers in the last two years that he began trusting in leave the school. It is extremely hard to watch him behave the way he does. I try extremely hard to show that I care for him but he does not fully accept it. At time he seems to warm to the idea of having someone other than his father care for him and worry about him but then something will set him off and he has to start over. I am still waiting on a change for him. All I can do is continue to pray and show unconditional love even when he doesnt accept it.
-
I have watched a student who knew scripture well, but because of his home life, he acted out. I also noticed that the ones leading him to continue to go to church would make comments that brought his self-esteem back down. I hope as he has moved on to another school that a change will come over him.
-
I have one student who spent his first year with me being a model student- positive, eager to learn, and doing the right thing even when his peers made poor choices. The second year I taught him, this student had become popular and had great favor among his peers. He still made good choices, but the eagerness and positivity was lacking. He became friends with poor influences and became distracted. This was discouraging to me.
Halfway through the year, this student realized what was happening and started spending time with better influences. This student has decided to keep learning with me for a third year in a row.
-
It is so hard when we know that a student is falling well below their God-given potential. I’ve seen it too many times, and almost always there is something at the root of it. There is often something going on in their lives that is causing mental and emotional strain. This is where God’s love and grace are so important.