# Remedial Education: What Is It and Why Is It Important?
Remedial education is a form of instruction that helps students who have fallen behind in their academic skills to catch up with their peers. Remedial education can be offered at any level of education, from elementary school to college, and can cover various subjects, such as reading, writing, math, science, or languages. Remedial education is not the same as special education, which is designed for students with learning disabilities or other special needs. Remedial education is intended for students who have the potential to achieve the expected standards of their grade level, but need extra support and guidance to do so.
Remedial education is important for several reasons. First, it can help students improve their self-confidence and motivation, as they overcome their learning gaps and achieve their academic goals. Second, it can help students develop the foundational skills and knowledge that are essential for further learning and career success. Third, it can help reduce the dropout rate and increase the graduation rate, as students are less likely to feel frustrated and discouraged by their academic challenges. Fourth, it can benefit society as a whole, as more educated individuals contribute to the economic and social development of their communities.
However, remedial education also faces some challenges and limitations. One of them is the stigma and negative perception that some students and educators may have about remedial education, as they may associate it with low ability or failure. Another challenge is the lack of resources and qualified teachers that some schools and colleges may have to provide effective remedial education. A third challenge is the difficulty of identifying and assessing the specific needs and strengths of each student, and tailoring the remedial instruction accordingly. A fourth challenge is the lack of coordination and alignment between different levels of education, which may result in inconsistent or redundant remedial interventions.
Therefore, remedial education requires a collaborative and comprehensive approach that involves multiple stakeholders, such as students, parents, teachers, administrators, policymakers, and researchers. Some of the best practices that can enhance the quality and impact of remedial education are:
– Early identification and intervention: The sooner the students who need remedial education are identified and supported, the better their chances of catching up and succeeding in their academic endeavors.
– Diagnostic assessment: The students who need remedial education should undergo a thorough and ongoing assessment of their skills and knowledge gaps, as well as their learning styles and preferences.
– Individualized instruction: The remedial instruction should be tailored to the specific needs and goals of each student, taking into account their prior knowledge, interests, strengths, and weaknesses.
– Multimodal delivery: The remedial instruction should use a variety of methods and materials to engage the students and address their diverse learning needs. For example, the instruction could combine lectures, discussions, exercises, games, videos, podcasts, online platforms, etc.
– Feedback and monitoring: The students who receive remedial education should receive frequent and constructive feedback on their progress and performance, as well as guidance on how to improve their learning strategies and habits.
– Integration and alignment: The remedial instruction should be integrated with the regular curriculum and aligned with the standards and expectations of each grade level and subject area.
– Professional development: The teachers who provide remedial education should receive adequate training and support on how to design and deliver effective remedial instruction.
– Evaluation and research: The outcomes and impacts of remedial education should be evaluated and researched using rigorous methods and measures.
Remedial education is a valuable tool that can help many students overcome their academic difficulties and achieve their full potential. However, it also requires careful planning and implementation to ensure its effectiveness and efficiency. By following the best practices mentioned above, remedial education can become a more accessible and beneficial option for students who need it.
References:
– Boylan H.R., Bonham B.S., Claxton C.S., & Bliss L.B. (1992). The state of the art in developmental education: Report of a national study. *National Association for Developmental Education*.
– Hock M.F., Deshler D.D., & Schumaker J.B. (2006 – Write a paper; Professional research paper writing service – Best essay writers). Enhancing student motivation through the pursuit of possible selves. In C. Dunkel & J. Kerpelman (Eds.), *Possible selves: Theory,
research,and applications* (pp. 205–221). Nova Science Publishers.
– National Center for Education Statistics (2019: 2024 – Online Assignment Homework Writing Help Service By Expert Research Writers). *Remedial coursetaking at U.S. public 2-and 4-year institutions: Scope,
experiences,and outcomes*. U.S. Department of Education.
– Rutschow E.Z., & Schneider E. (2011). *Unlocking the gate: What we know about improving developmental education*. MDRC.
