Creating Accessible Teaching and Support

Students will sometimes encounter problems related to their studies, relationships or lives in general. If an issue is not addressed, they may become distressed and withdrawn and fall behind in their work. Some will lack the confidence to ask for help, so you may need to provide encouragement and opportunity for them to do so.  When a student is at risk you will need to seek assistance promptly.

If students experience difficulties you may be called on to provide support. You can assist them to get the help they need. Your response will depend on the situation: sometimes, acknowledging their feelings will suffice; in other cases, you may need to offer more encouragement and opportunity for them to discuss their problems. Effective communication skills will be particularly valuable so see Communication and Language Tips.

If the student denies they are experiencing problems, explain why you are concerned (for example, their behaviour has changed significantly or the quality of their work has deteriorated). If they refuse to discuss the matter there may be little more you can do, but pass on information about how to seek help in case they change their mind later on.  However when a student is at risk you will need to seek assistance promptly.

Students may sometimes exhibit patterns of behaviour that are outside the bounds of accepted norms.  There are strategies that you can implement to prevent and respond to disruptive behaviour, and reduce the likelihood of harassment or discrimination.  If you believe that a student is at risk, displaying significantly abnormal behaviour or the student’s behaviour is impacting others you will need to seek assistance promptly.

See the Dealing with Disruptive Behaviour factsheet for information about:

• preventing behaviour problems
• managing a disruptive incident
• referral and documentation
• follow-up procedures
• developing a behaviour agreement.

When a student is at risk you will need to seek assistance promptly.

The Responding to Students in Difficulty and at Risk factsheet includes advice about:

• risk assessment
• duty of care
• effective communication with a distressed student
• staff and student safety
• responding to the risk of suicide or violence.