“I Don’t Get It”: How Teens Ask for Help

Getting help isn’t as simple as asking the teacher, although usually the first suggestion parents make when a teenager doesn’t understand the assignment.   Teenagers may not have been taught to identify the problem, to know what exactly the student is asking.  Then, there’s the humbling of oneself to admit there’s a lack of knowledge (not easy for anyone).  Plus, the authority of a teacher and adult can be intimidating to a teen wanting to be respectful.  Lastly, any (possibly only perceived) personality differences are an additional challenge for teens, who may make decisions more intuitively, regardless of the reasonableness.

By the time a teenager works through each of these issues, and actually approaches a teacher, the request for help often comes out as, “I don’t get it”, which doesn’t give much information for the teacher and student to start a conversation.   Parents can help teens in learning to problem solve.  A parent’s consistent and patient questioning (possibly over several conversations) will allow the student to identify the issue s/he needs help resolving.  Then, together, parent and student can plan a strategy for approaching the teacher and her/his personality to get help.  Also, explaining that the issue may need several conversations to resolve may help the teen be patient with themselves and the process.

Preparation for college isn’t only in gaining more content knowledge.  Learning the skills needed to learn is preparing, too.

_____________

Jill Yoshikawa, Ed M, is a University of California and Harvard trained educator and Partner at Creative Marbles Consultancy. You can contact Jill at [email protected] or, read her short biography.

Tagged , , , ,

About Jill Yoshikawa, Ed M, Partner of Creative Marbles Consultancy

Jill Yoshikawa, EdM, Harvard ’99, a seasoned, 25 year educator and consultant, is meticulous in helping clients navigate all aspects of the educational experience, no matter the level of complexity. She combines educational theory with experience to advise families, schools and educators. A UCSD and Harvard graduate, as well as a former high school teacher, Jill works tirelessly to help her clients succeed.
View all posts by Jill Yoshikawa, Ed M, Partner of Creative Marbles Consultancy →