What if I don’t understand what we’re learning in class?

Learn how to tackle the confusion of not understanding lessons in school with effective strategies like asking questions, using various resources, and seeking extra help.

About this article...

  • Suitable for members aged 12-17
  • 5 minute read
  • 857 words (2.1 sides of A4)
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  • Created and reviewed by our team of experts

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Finding yourself lost in class can feel like you're left behind while everyone else is moving forward. It's a common scenario that many students experience at some point in their academic journey. Whether it's the speed at which the material is taught or the complexity of the topics, not understanding can lead to confusion and stress. But remember, it's a fixable situation, and many have been in your shoes and found ways to overcome it.

Understanding the Challenges

When you don't understand a subject, it's important to identify the reasons why. It could be due to a variety of factors:

What if I don't understand what we're learning in class?
  • Pace of Teaching: Sometimes teachers have to cover a lot of material in a limited amount of time, particularly in subjects that follow a detailed curriculum. This might mean they move too quickly through topics that you need more time to absorb.
  • Teaching Style: Everyone has a unique learning style. Some students might prefer visual aids and practical tasks, while others benefit more from reading or auditory explanations. If a teacher's style doesn't match your preferred way of learning, it can lead to misunderstandings.
  • Foundational Knowledge: If you have missed out on or not fully understood previous lessons in a subject, new concepts can seem even more challenging as many subjects build on prior knowledge.
  • Personal Circumstances: Factors such as stress, lack of sleep, or emotional issues can also affect how well you absorb information in class.

Real-Life Impacts on Young People

Struggling in class can affect different aspects of your life:

  • Academic Performance: Not grasping the content can reflect in your grades, which is concerning if you're aiming for further education or certain career paths that require specific qualifications.
  • Self-Esteem: Consistently finding lessons difficult can impact how you view your academic abilities and lower your confidence in other areas.
  • Motivation: It's natural to feel disheartened and less motivated to participate in a class where you feel out of your depth.
  • Social Connections: There can be a sense of isolation if you feel like you're the only one not keeping up. This might make group projects and classroom interactions more stressful.

Strategies for Dealing with Difficulties in Understanding Lessons

Here are some actionable strategies that can help you bridge the gap in your understanding:

Speak Up

It can be intimidating, but asking questions is essential. If you're unclear about a topic, there's a good chance others are too. Teachers appreciate students who seek clarification because it shows engagement and responsibility for your own learning.

Use Additional Resources

Look for learning aids such as:

  • Online Tutorials: Websites like Khan Academy or BBC Bitesize offer explanations and videos that might use a different approach than your teacher.
  • Study Groups: Join or form a study group. Explaining concepts to each other is a great way to solidify your understanding.
  • Books and Publications: Sometimes a different textbook can offer a new perspective or explain the material in a way that you find easier to understand.

Consider a Tutor

If you're consistently struggling, a tutor might help. Tutors can provide one-on-one feedback and customise their teaching style to suit your learning needs.

organise Your Study Time

Create a study schedule that allows you to revisit and review lessons regularly. Use tools like flashcards, summaries, and mind maps to reinforce your learning.

Discuss With Your Teacher

Arrange a time to discuss your difficulties with your teacher outside of class. They can offer you extra help or resources and will appreciate your proactive approach.

Maintain a Healthy Routine

Incorporate healthy habits such as adequate sleep, regular exercise, and balanced nutrition into your day. This can greatly affect your cognitive abilities and overall disposition towards learning.

Conclusion

Not understanding something in class is nothing to be ashamed of, and it's a much more common issue than most students think. Importantly, it's a temporary situation that, with the right strategies, you can definitely overcome. Being proactive, exploring multiple resources, and engaging with the material on different levels will enhance your understanding and keep your learning journey on track.

How are you feeling?

It is really important that when we need help, we feel able to ask for it. This could be speaking to a parent, a close friend, a teacher or someone else you trust. Sometimes it can be really hard to share our feelings with other people but if we are feeling low or don't know where to turn, sharing with others is really important. Teachers will always take you seriously and listen to your problems in confidence if you approach them for help. Likewise, parents, siblings or friends will help you if you reach out to them.

If you feel like you can't speak to anyone you know, there are people and organisations that can help support you:

  • Childline - Call them on 0800 1111 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
  • NSPCC - Call them on 0808 800 5000 between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday or email them on help@NSPCC.org.uk
  • The Samaritans – Call them on 116 123 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
  • SANE – Call 0300 304 7000 for support (4:30pm - 10:30pm every day)
  • Mind – Call 0300 123 3393 (9:00am - 6:00pm Monday to Friday)

*Sometimes we will use real life examples in our articles to aid understanding. When we do, names and ages will be changed.