Dropping out of school 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 dropping out of school are numerous and complex, ranging from social and family problems to learning difficulties, absenteeism and lack of motivation. In this article, we will discuss some effective strategies for combating school dropout.
Develop personalized learning programs
Students who are at risk of dropping out often need individualized support to help them succeed. Personalized learning programs may include tutors, counselors, specialized teachers, and psychosocial interventionists. These professionals can help students identify their strengths and weaknesses, set realistic goals, and implement effective strategies to overcome obstacles.
Strengthen parent involvement
Parents play a crucial role in dropout prevention. By increasing their involvement, parents can help create a positive and supportive environment for students. This may include in-home support activities, meetings with teachers, parent support groups and parenting workshops. Parents should be encouraged to be actively involved in their children’s learning to give them a sense of support and encouragement. Dropping out of school can be observed as early as elementary school, so it is important to be attentive and to help them with their homework, for example, as soon as they enter first grade.
Organize extracurricular activities
Extracurricular activities can help students feel connected to their school and community. This may 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 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 encourage peer involvement may include mentoring groups, discussion clubs, and collaborative projects. Students can help each other, share ideas and learn together. In addition, peers can help prevent bullying, isolation and other social problems that can contribute to school dropout.
Use technology effectively
Technology can provide many opportunities to combat school dropout. Students can use educational apps, collaboration platforms, and educational games to enhance their skills. 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 more than 30 educational games, in a less academic medium and therefore easier to access for them.
Teachers can use monitoring and assessment tools to track 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 strengthen it.
Improve the quality of education
Quality education is essential to preventing school dropout. Teachers must be well trained, competent, and passionate about their work. They must also be able to adapt to individual student needs and provide constructive feedback to help students progress. Schools must invest in ongoing teacher training to improve the quality of instruction and maintain high standards.
Building community partnerships
Community partnerships can help support students who are at risk of dropping out. Partnerships may include local businesses, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and community groups. These partners can provide internships, mentoring programs, scholarships and additional resources for students and their families. Community partnerships can also help strengthen the connection 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 student success rather than student failure. Schools must provide recognition and reward programs for students who make any kind of progress. Teachers should also provide positive and constructive feedback to help students maintain motivation and engagement. Students should feel supported, encouraged, and celebrated for their successes.
Creating an inclusive learning environment
An inclusive learning environment is essential to preventing school dropout. Schools must ensure that all students, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status, feel welcomed, supported, and valued. Teachers must be trained to recognize and respond to individual student needs and to create lessons that are culturally and linguistically responsive to students. Schools must also provide additional resources for special needs students, such as tutors, counselors and support programs.
Provide alternative training options
Students who are in danger of dropping out may 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 education programs may also provide options for students with special interests or talents, such as music, art, or sports.
COCO THINKS and COCO MOVES ©, a program adapted for children who have dropped out of school
COCO THINKS and COCO MOVES is a digital educational and sports tool that accompanies children from 1st to 5th grade. Indeed, the application follows the learning of children and allows them to review French, math, English… All while having fun!
Activities are adapted to allow children to learn at their own pace through fun games.
After 15 minutes of activity, COCO offers a sports break to allow children to air their brains, get away from the screen and get moving. This break helps combat overexposure to screens and teaches children to have a balanced screen time.
In Coco there is also the possibility to follow the evolution of the child. While playing, the child wins trophies, which motivates him/her in his/her learning. In addition you can see the time spent on the application, the games played and the success rate.
Seeing the progression over time is useful for parents or teachers to see the evolution of skills.
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