School dropout is a phenomenon that affects many students around the world. It is characterized by early school leaving, often before the end of the compulsory education cycle. The reasons for school dropout are numerous and complex, ranging from social and family issues to learning difficulties, absenteeism, and lack of motivation. In this article, we will discuss some effective strategies to combat school dropout.
Develop personalized learning programs
Students at risk of dropping out often need individualized support to help them succeed. Personalized learning programs can include tutors, counselors, specialized teachers, and psychosocial workers. These professionals can help students identify their strengths and weaknesses, set realistic goals, and implement effective strategies to overcome obstacles.
Strengthen parental involvement
Parents play a crucial role in preventing school dropout. By strengthening their involvement, parents can help create a positive and stimulating environment for students. This can include support activities at home, meetings with teachers, support groups for parents, and parenting workshops. Parents should be encouraged to actively participate in their children's learning to provide them with a sense of support and encouragement. School dropout can be observed as early as elementary school, so it is important to be attentive and assist them with their homework, for example, from the start of first grade.
Encouraging your child while helping them with their homework can be tricky, but the choice of words can make all the difference. Here are some examples of encouraging phrases for a parent:
- "I am here to help you if you need it. Homework can be difficult at times, but together we can make it easier."
- "You are really smart, and I know you can understand this. If something seems complicated, let's talk about it and find a solution together."
- "I am impressed by the effort you put into your homework. Keep it up, and remember that every little step counts."
- "Mistakes are part of the learning process. Don't worry if you make mistakes; we can correct them together and learn from those moments."
- "There is no problem in asking questions. If something is unclear, don't hesitate to tell me, and we will find the answer together."
- "I really like your way of thinking. How could we approach this in a way that seems more interesting or easier to understand for you?"
- "Homework is an opportunity to show what you already know and discover new things. It's great to see how much you can progress."
- "Do you need a break? Sometimes taking a few minutes to relax can really help you come back to your homework with a fresh perspective."
- "Remember that I am proud of you, no matter the outcome. What matters is that you do your best, and I know you are."
- "It's normal to find some subjects more difficult than others. What could make this more interesting for you?"
The idea is to create a positive environment, show interest in the child's efforts, and promote open communication to address any challenges.
Organize extracurricular activities
Extracurricular activities can help students feel connected to their school and community. This can include recreational clubs, sports teams, theater groups, volunteer programs, and art workshops. Extracurricular activities can provide students with an opportunity to discover new talents, build their self-confidence, and make friends with similar interests.
Encourage peer involvement
Students are more likely to succeed when they are surrounded by positive peers who encourage and support them. Programs that promote peer involvement can include mentoring groups, discussion clubs, and collaborative projects. Students can help each other, share ideas, and learn together. Furthermore, peers can help prevent bullying, isolation, and other social issues that can contribute to school dropout.
Use technology effectively
Technology can offer many opportunities to combat school dropout. Students can use educational apps, collaboration platforms, and educational games to improve their skills.
Teachers can use tracking and assessment tools to monitor student progress and provide additional support when needed. Teachers can also use technology to create more engaging and interactive lessons that stimulate students' interest in learning. However, it is important to note that the use of technology should not replace the teacher-student relationship but rather enhance it.
The program COCO THINKS and COCO MOVES is an educational program that allows children who are more resistant to traditional teaching methods to learn with over 30 educational games, in a less school-like setting and therefore more accessible to them. The JOE program is designed to motivate teenagers and middle school students!
COCO, for elementary students
JOE, for middle school students
Improve the quality of teaching
Quality teaching is essential to prevent school dropout. Teachers must be well-trained, competent, and passionate about their work. They must also be able to adapt to the individual needs of students and provide constructive feedback to help them progress. Schools must invest in ongoing teacher training to improve the quality of teaching and maintain high standards.
Establish community partnerships
Community partnerships can help support students at risk of dropping out. Partnerships can include local businesses, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and community groups. These partners can offer internships, mentoring programs, scholarships, and additional resources for students and their families. Community partnerships can also help strengthen the link between the school and the community, which can help create a positive environment for students.
Focus on success
Finally, it is important to focus on students' success rather than their failure. Schools should offer recognition and reward programs for students who make progress, no matter how small. Teachers should also provide positive and constructive feedback to help students maintain their motivation and engagement. Students should feel supported, encouraged, and celebrated for their achievements.
Create an inclusive learning environment
An inclusive learning environment is essential to prevent school dropout. Schools must ensure that all students, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status, feel welcomed, supported, and valued. Teachers must be trained to recognize and respond to the individual needs of students and to create lessons that take into account the cultural and linguistic diversity of students. Schools must also provide additional resources for struggling students, such as tutors, counselors, and support programs.
Offer alternative training options
Students at risk of dropping out can benefit from alternative training programs such as online learning programs, evening classes, or vocational training programs. These options can provide more flexible alternatives tailored to the individual needs of students who may have family responsibilities or work part-time. Alternative training programs can also provide options for students with particular interests or talents, such as music, arts, or sports.
Integrate innovative teaching methods to engage students
Boredom in class and the lack of adaptation of teaching methods are major factors in school dropout. To maintain students' interest and promote their success, it is essential to innovate educational practices and offer more interactive, playful approaches tailored to different learning profiles.
Concrete examples of effective teaching methods:
Flipped classroom: instead of discovering concepts in class, students learn them at home through videos or digital capsules, and then practice them in class through collaborative exercises. This encourages participation and reinforces understanding.
Project-based learning: students work in teams on concrete projects (e.g., creating a podcast, organizing an exhibition, starting a mini-business). This format empowers them, values their transferable skills, and gives meaning to their learning.
Digital educational games: like those offered in the Coco Thinks and Coco Moves app, allow students to consolidate their knowledge while having fun. For example, a child struggling with reading can improve through a visual recognition or image/sound association game.
Differentiated instruction: each student does not learn at the same pace or in the same way. Adapting content, offering varied materials (videos, mind maps, hands-on activities), and setting personalized goals can help reduce dropout from the first signs of difficulty.
Emotional education: integrating speaking times and exercises for managing emotions (breathing, meditation, theater) helps children better navigate their schooling, develop their confidence, and manage school stress.
Promote mental health and well-being of students to prevent school dropout
The emotional and mental well-being of students is a fundamental pillar in preventing school dropout. Indeed, many students drop out due to issues related to stress, anxiety, depression, or other psychological difficulties. It is therefore essential to integrate concrete actions to support their mental health.
Concrete actions to implement:
Establish an accessible psychological support system
Install school psychologist or counselor services available to listen to students, detect warning signs, and intervene quickly. For example, offer regular or anonymous interviews so that students feel comfortable.Train educational staff to detect psychological issues
Train teachers, facilitators, and supervisors to spot signs of distress or isolation in students. This allows for quick and appropriate intervention before the situation worsens.Organize stress and emotion management workshops
Offer practical workshops (meditation, sophrology, breathing techniques, yoga) to help students better manage their anxiety, especially during exams or high-stress periods.Create a caring and inclusive school environment
Promote kindness among students and adults, actively combat bullying, and foster a culture of respect so that every student feels safe and valued.Encourage regular physical activities
Sports is an excellent way to reduce stress, improve self-esteem, and create social connections. For example, integrate adapted sports sessions or encourage participation in sports clubs.Involve students in co-constructing their school environment
Give students a voice through student councils, discussion groups, or collaborative projects, so they feel like active participants in their schooling and well-being.
Strengthen resilience and motivation with concrete tools
In addition to psychological support actions, it is essential to provide students with concrete tools to strengthen their resilience in the face of academic difficulties. For example, establishing a success journal where the child notes their small victories each day (understanding a lesson, participating in class, completing homework on time) can help them visualize their progress and nurture their motivation.
The playful educational programs, like Coco Thinks and Coco Moves, also play an important role: they allow students to work on memory, concentration, and emotion management through mini-games tailored to each child's profile. The student then feels valued by their successes and learns in a stress-free environment.
For teenagers, solutions like the Joe app make learning more interactive and connected to their interests. Quizzes, challenges, and team missions stimulate their spirit of cooperation and desire to excel, which reduces the risk of school disengagement.
