Remedial schools: The benefits of remedial education
Remedial schools: The benefits of remedial education
Remedial schools aim to offer education to a targeted group of children who lag behind academically (Shwartz, 2012). Qualified teachers work within these schools and use specific education interventions to meet the challenges that these children face. These challenges range from children who lack skills in maths, reading or writing to children who have been diagnosed with learning disorders, therefore remedial education is offered in these schools to specifically cater for these needs (Japari, 2019). Remedial schools are different to main stream schools in certain ways, however, research has shown that some students with learning difficulties do transition to main stream schools because of the education that they received at remedial schools (Japari, 2019). Remedial education has thus proved that it has short and long term benefits for children. These benefits can be seen in the cognitive and emotional domains and this promotes future success.
Remedial schools in South Africa have small classes for children which fosters a stimulating, learning environment for them. The small classes allow teachers to familiarise themselves with each child’s learning styles so that the child is learning optimally. One of the main focuses of remedial schools is that it assists in improving mathematics and reading skills of children which are so important for day-to-day life (Japari, 2019). Once children are able to master the basic fundamentals, they are then further given the opportunity to broaden their knowledge base on more complex work.
It can be said that children with learning difficulties often experience greater levels of anxiety or behaviour. Research has shown that remedial schools allow children to feel comfortable within their learning environments and this leads to much greater confidence levels. Strategies are taught to these children to help them understand and comprehend various topics such as emotional coping. (Dalien, n.d). This improved level of understanding reduces behaviour such as anger, frustration and feelings of anxiety and inferiority that accompany it.
In addition, to the above-mentioned advantages, most importantly, it prepares children for life-long success. It not only assists them in learning the basic academic skills that is needed, but it also helps to develop an understanding of their own needs and what works best for them in terms of learning (Dalien,n.d ). It has been stated that remedial intervention at an early age would produce the best long-term results (Japari, 2019). Children who attend remedial schools are likely to progress to higher education programmes and employment.
Remedial schooling in South Africa thus offer ways for children to learn successfully and build futures for themselves.
References:
Dalien, S. (n.d.). 10 benefits of special education tutoring for children with learning disabilities. Retrieved 7 September 2019 from https://specialedresource.com/resource-center/10-benefits-special-education-tutoring-children-learning-disabilities
Japari schools. (2019). How independent schools are helping remedial students to win. Retrieved 7 September 2019 from https://japari.co.za/independent-schools-helping-students/
Japari school. (2019). The link between remedial education, matric exams and university success. Retrieved 7 September 2019, from https://japari.co.za/link-between-remedial-education-and-university/
Schwartz, A. (2012). Remedial education to accelerate learning for all. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.26166.70729. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/316858336_Remedial_education_to_accelerate_learning_for_all
