Understanding why students have difficulty learning is the first step to helping them achieve success in the classroom. Identifying students who are not reaching their full potential is an ongoing process. As teachers observe students working in the classroom, the strengths and needs of individuals become apparent.
Some students appear to understand the concepts, but have difficulty completing written assignments.
Some are able to understand complex ideas when doing experiments, but completely miss the point when the same information is presented as required reading. Others appear to work diligently all the time, but are not able to pass a single test. Sometimes students who are having difficulty with learning mask their embarrassment by using inappropriate behaviour. For example, someone who lacks the skills to effectively copy notes from the blackboard may be disruptive during note-taking activities. A student who has experienced little success in math may lack confidence and will refuse to undertake independent practice of new operations.