In order to “meet students where they are”, I believe it is crucial to understand the students perspective and background in order to build off of what they already know. As a teacher it is important to not only teach a classroom academically but to also meet the students emotionally. Where a student is at isn’t simply a grade on a paper. There are many more complexities that affect a student’s learning beyond the material including home life, study space, teaching style, and many other factors.
Throughout my last year in high school, I tutored a freshman in all subject areas but often found myself with nothing to do during these sessions. This particular student had many siblings which created a chaotic environment at home. I found that they didn’t need my help with a lot of the material but rather simply needed a quiet study space and time specifically set aside to study in order to excel.
In another case, I had a teacher for my Human Anatomy and Physiology class in high school who really got through to me. There were a few occasions throughout the year when she could tell our class was really struggling, but she also realized that it wasn’t because of the material. Instead of pushing the curriculum onto us she stopped class to have real life talks about topics like depression and anxiety, which were likely affecting many of the students in this class. She put the emotional well-being of her students above academics.
Meeting a student where they are goes much deeper than an academic level. It isn’t a set list of instructions that is the same for all students. It isn’t a compromise to meet halfway. It is understanding that each student is going through different problems. It is reaching students academically as well as emotionally to better understand their needs. It is putting the student’s needs above your own.
