The Basic
When is the best time to approach a teacher with a question?
When I see an opportunity (e.g., teacher is not with another student). Also, before or after class.
You just bombed a quiz and want to find out why? What do you say?
"I was really surprised by my grade on this quiz. Can we review it together so I can see what I did wrong?"
Building confidence
Fact or Myth: Asking for help makes you look unintelligent to your teacher.
That is a myth.
Fact: Teachers view asking for help as a sign of maturity and strong self-advocacy skills.
Clue. When a teacher writes "See me" on the top of your paper, it doesn't mean you are in trouble; it usually means this.
What is they want to help you fix your mistakes or explain the concept face-to-face?
True or False? You should only talk to your teacher if you are failing your class.
FALSE
You are completely lost and don't even know what you don't know. What do you say?
"I’m having a really hard time grasping this lesson and I don't know what I need, could you help me figure it out?"
Should I try on my own before asking for help?
Yes!
Fact or Myth: You should only ask for extra help if you are failing the class.
Myth
Fact: Top students frequently utilize extra help to master difficult concepts and maintain high grades.
This is the literal job description of a teacher; you are never a burden for asking them to do what they are paid to do, which is this.
What is teaching and helping students learn?
What is one of the four steps in asking for help?
1. I've tried on my own but still feel stuck.
You want to ask for an extension on a project due to personal reasons. What do you say?
"I am struggling to get this assignment done on time due to some family/personal matters. Can we talk about my options?"
What type of accent can I use to thank my mind when I still feel like I should not ask for help?
Whatever you choose. British, Spanish, etc
Fact vs. Myth. I will be bothering my teacher and everyone will be looking at me when I ask for help?
Myth. Teachers like it when you ask for help and you may even inspire other students to do the same.
If you ask a question about a confusing lesson, you are usually lifting a burden from these other people who were too scared to speak up.
What are your classmates / other students?
What can I say to my mind if it tells me not to ask for help?
Thanks Mind!
The teacher explained something, but it still doesn't make sense. What do you ask?
"There was something in the lesson I didn't quite understand. Could you explain it to me in a different way?"
True or False: High school teachers expect you to know exactly how to solve every problem before you come to them for help.
False
Fact or Myth. Asking for help helps teachers see where their lesson plan might be confusing.
FACT
This is who benefits the most when you ask a teacher for help with a tough assignment.
Who can I ask for help?
An adult who can support.
How should you respond if a teacher gives you feedback on an essay that makes you anxious or confused?
"Thank you for the feedback. Can we schedule a brief time to talk about how I can apply these notes to my next assignment?"
When you push past your fear and ask a teacher for help, you are practicing this critical 13-letter life skill that you will need for college and future jobs.
self-advocacy
Fact or Myth. Asking a question often helps your teacher realize that other students are confused too, making the whole class better.
Fact
Teachers choose this career because they want to build connections; you are actually doing this for the teacher by trusting them enough to ask for help.
What is making them feel valued, appreciated, or useful? (Teachers love feeling like they made a difference).