Definition of Remedial Learners

remedial
/rɪˈmiːdɪəl/

If you know that a remedy is a type of medicine or treatment, then you have a clue
to the meaning of remedial. Like a remedy, remedial classes are supposed to
improve your underachieving students, specifically in school subjects that they
haven't done well in.

Who are remedial learners?

Joey is a student in your class who has been struggling to grasp new concepts
during lessons. He always seems to be a little behind everyone else. He works hard
and is motivated, but he lacks the necessary core skills that he needs to be able to
build upon. You have worked with Joey in a small group in the classroom but he
continues to need more support. Joey is a typical example of an underachiever or a
remedial learner.
Dictionaries define remedial learners as students who have temporarily fallen behind
in their studies or otherwise need short-term support in their learning. The only
problem with them is that they learn concepts and achieve developmental
milestones at a pace slower than their peers if they do not suffer from any other
disabilities.
In simple terms, a remedial learner is a student who has average or
higher intellectual abilities but who is not performing well in school. Typically,
remedial students or underachievers are not struggling because of their intellectual
abilities but instead because they are struggling with one subject area like
reading, writing or mathematics.
Underachievement is a behavior and therefore can be modified through remedial
programs. Many students today find it difficult to sit down and stay focused in class
because the delivery of traditional lessons does not grasp the attention of all
learning types. So the suggestion would be not to label the student as a remedial
student or an underachiever but to label the behaviour itself. (e.g., the child is
"underachieving in math and language arts" rather than a "remedial student" or an
"underachieving student").
Remedial educational programs are designed specially to help give these remedial
learners a bit more individual attention, in smaller groups and often at a slightly
slower pace. This will then give the learner the ability to catch up on the skills that
they are lacking and, to build their skills and their confidence so that they can live up
to their potential.

Special needs Learner vs Remedial Learner

Special needs learners differ from remedial learners because the special needs
students lack the intellectual ability to perform in a class that teaches standardized
concepts and subjects. These students may lack social skills, communication
skills, social maturity, emotional maturity, physical ability or the analytical skills that
are needed to perform in a remedial or a standard classroom environment. Some
struggle with academics, emotional or behavioural control, anxiety etc.
Low achiever vs Remedial Learner (underachiever)
An underachiever: A learner who is not reaching their potential.
A low achiever: A learner who may be achieving his targets, but these targets will
be low. May have a statement of special educational needs and therefore may be
achieving at a good level within his ability range.
Characteristics of Remedial Learners

There are some standard characteristics of remedial learners or underachievers you

can pay attention to.
When it comes to their areas or skills of weakness, remedial learners or
underachieving students:
 See themselves as inadequate
 Expect academic and social failure
 Feel helpless to control outcomes of effort
 Don’t feel free to make choices
 Set unrealistic goals
 Are defensive toward authority
 Feel rejected and isolated
 Are not willing to risk failure
 Show ineffective approaches to problems
It’s really important to distinguish achieving students from underachieving students.
Although both students can be equally talented students, underachieving students
have different characteristics than achieving ones:
 Lack of integration of goals & self-direction
 Lack of self-confidence
 Inability to persevere
 Inferiority feelings
 Social immaturity
  Emotional problems
 Antisocial behavior
 Low self-concept
 An unstable family environment

Remedial Learner profiles

According to Dr. Diane Heacox, there are 6 remedial learner profiles a student can
take. As a teacher, I’m sure they will sound rather familiar.
 The rebel: “Why should I play the school game?”
 The conformist: “Please, don’t notice that I am smart.”
 The stressed learner: “It’s not good enough.”
 The struggling student: “I just don’t get it.”
 The victim: “It’s not my fault”.
 The bored student: “There’s nothing new to learn.”