Scenario: The Great Confusion Caper

[Jo Hampton]

Some students are scratching their heads over a tricky topic in your course. What’s your go-to plan to help them understand? (Optional: Does it involve interpretive dance?)

[MHubert]

If you know that students are having trouble with a particular topic, I would offer to host an extra information session, but get them to bring along their questions and specify which parts of the topic they are having trouble with. That way you can understand the exact issues and perhaps put a plan in place to address them, rather than having to cover the whole topic which may be quite broad. You could also see if some of the students that are not struggling would like to buddy up with the ones who are struggling and offer their support.

[TU2BU]

Was the topic expected to be tricky? If so this can cause us to subconsciously expect a certain level of confusion from the students.
I would try to identify real life examples/applications for the topic. Put it into context for the students, this may provide the motivation required to stick with it and gain more understanding.
If they are motivated to find a solution then I would be motivated to help explain it in as many different ways as I can. Sometimes there is a certain level of repetition needed before something becomes clear.
Consider the cognitive load of the topic. Does it need to be broken down into smaller steps?
Does there need to be a focus on the final outcome to provide motivation to get there. (Ruth)

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