Educational institutions require teachers to use various methods to educate learners. The type of orientation used by teachers plays a significant role in determining overall student performance. The direction could focus on either a student’s different strengths and abilities or a student’s weaknesses to better them. The procedures applied in teaching aim to ensure that students are best at what they are undertaking. This essay describes the importance of teachers to concentrate on a learner’s strengths instead of their shortcomings.
The number of immigrants and refugees in public schools has increased. However, they still consider themselves a minority group, which has a bad influence on their school performance and behavior. By focusing on their linguistic and cultural strengths, teachers can encourage students to improve their performance (Heinbach et al., 2019). This development is achieved by teachers understanding the diverse nature of the learners and knowing each of their aptitudes. Also, students will identify what is unique and valuable about them and hence improve their confidence and self-esteem.
Identifying diverse student strengths and encouraging teachers to concentrate on them will also ensure an improved academic achievement. When teachers focus on students’ cognitive strengths, such as creativity, memory, and analysis, students will learn in ways compatible with their abilities and strengths (Allan et al., 2021). This orientation enables learners to view challenging problems from a new perspective, which would not have been possible if teachers did not recognize their abilities. A student can likewise understand the significance and implement creativity and analysis in other aspects of life.
Furthermore, when teachers focus on a students’ areas of passion, confidence, and greatest strength, it encourages them to be more appreciative of one another’s strengths. It also helps them use their strengths in overcoming other shortcomings. Teaching to the strengths of a student assists him or her in positively seeing their abilities hence making learning a positive experience (Gering et al., 2018). The learners likewise feel more motivated to achieve great results since they are aware of their potential.
Teaching that is focused on student’s strengths ensures excellent performance in specific areas. For instance, students who have excellent problem-solving skills will be able to apply their knowledge in solving real and hypothetical world problems. Moreover, they are provided with an opportunity to solve the problem at their own pace. This orientation is more beneficial since it increases learners’ enthusiasm, self-confidence, and overall performance. The performance is enhanced because students are only required to make slight changes to perfect areas of their strengths. Self-confidence is still improved since the students are taught to identify their unique abilities and make them better.
Implementation of an orientation that focuses on a student’s strengths and abilities rather than on their shortcomings and weaknesses is more beneficial. There are many advantages to the application of this type of orientation. Firstly, by concentrating on creativity, teachers can inspire learners to try on new concepts and ideas. In addition, the student acquires emotional development, communication skills and will be more competitive for future job opportunities. Secondly, by focusing on linguistic and cultural strengths, students will appreciate their unique qualities, improving their confidence and self-esteem. Thirdly, students who are best at specific areas are provided with an opportunity to focus on these areas and apply these skills in improving other aspects of learning.
References
Allan, B. A., Owens, R. L., Kim, T., Douglass, R. P., & Hintz, J. (2021). Strengths and satisfaction in first year undergraduate students: A longitudinal study. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 16(1), 94-104. Web.
Gering, C. S., Sheppard, D. K., Adams, B. L., Renes, S. L., & Morotti, A. A. (2018). Strengths-based analysis of student success in online courses. Online Learning, 22(3), 55-85. Web.
Heinbach, C., Lopez, B., Martinez-Flores, E., Ramos, D., D’Amato, R., Gutierez, P., & Mitola, R. (2019). For first-gens by first-gens: A student led, strengths-based study to guide teaching and outreach practices in academic libraries. Web.