2: Where Student Challenges Meet Teaching Strategies

Education’s goal is to unlock potential, no matter the starting point.

Students in technical colleges come from diverse backgrounds and face a variety of challenges that influence their learning experiences. Unlike traditional academic institutions, technical colleges focus on career-specific training, requiring educators to not only teach theoretical concepts but also develop students’ practical, hands-on skills for the workforce. However, various academic and personal obstacles—such as gaps in foundational knowledge, time management struggles, financial barriers, and mental health concerns—can impact student success.

As an educator, getting started with designing your teaching—whether in an online or traditional classroom—requires thoughtful planning to create an inclusive and engaging learning environment. Effective course design should consider student needs, incorporate active learning strategies, and leverage technology to enhance accessibility. For online courses, ensuring clear communication, interactive materials, and structured support is crucial. In traditional classrooms, fostering collaboration, providing hands-on experiences, and offering flexibility can help address diverse learning styles and challenges.

By implementing adaptable teaching strategies, educators can support students in overcoming barriers and developing the skills needed for career success. Let’s begin by focusing on our students, the core of our work, and the true measure of our success. The challenge lies in their differences; each student arrives with unique experiences, abilities, goals, and varying levels of support. No two learners are alike, making it essential for educators to recognize and adapt to their individual needs. The real challenge for faculty is finding ways to support all students simultaneously. This is, without a doubt, an ambitious task, but one that is essential for fostering an efficient and effective learning environment.

To meet this complex challenge, teaching strategies must be flexible and responsive, adapting to where students are in their educational journey and what they need most at the moment. Effective teaching strategies may shift fluidly across the elements of the Guided Pathways Model, responding to the evolving needs of students rather than following a rigid sequence. While instructors might focus on ensuring students are learning through active engagement or on helping students get on a path with early career exploration activities, the goal remains the same: supporting student progress. At times, a strategy may contribute to clarifying paths to student education and career goals, while other times it may focus on keeping students on their path through timely feedback and academic support. Regardless of where a strategy fits within the framework at any given moment, the ultimate aim is to foster meaningful learning experiences that lead to successful outcomes in both education and career.

Since students’ success is our goal, let us first take a look at what some of the obstacles our students are facing and consider each as we develop our instruction. As you read through each, make a list or mental note of the student struggles you commonly see in your classroom. Add to this list if needed.

1. Academic Preparedness Gaps – Some students may struggle with foundational skills in math, reading, or critical thinking, making it difficult to grasp technical concepts.
2. Time Management and Work-Life Balance – Many students juggle coursework with jobs, family responsibilities, and other commitments, leading to stress and difficulty meeting deadlines.
3. Financial Struggles – Tuition costs, textbooks, and living expenses can be barriers to student retention and focus.
4. Learning Disabilities and Neurodiversity – Conditions such as dyslexia, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorders require adaptive teaching strategies and additional support.
5. Language Barriers – English Language Learners (ELLs) may struggle with technical vocabulary and communication, affecting comprehension and participation.
6. Lack of Motivation or Career Uncertainty – Some students enroll without a clear career goal, leading to disengagement and difficulty staying motivated.
7. Mental Health Challenges – Anxiety, depression, and stress can impact concentration, attendance, and academic performance.
8. Digital Literacy & Limited Access to Technology – Students come to college with a variety of experiences in technology. Getting students where they need to be to interact with the learning materials, typically provided through digital means, can be a challenge for many students. Additionally, some students may lack reliable internet or up-to-date computers, affecting their ability to complete coursework.
9. Adapting to Hands-On Learning – While some students excel in hands-on training, others may struggle with practical application and require additional support.

Recognizing the common challenges our students face is only the first step. We must go further. It is essential to explore how our teaching strategies can help address these obstacles, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed. By thoughtfully aligning our instruction with student needs, we can create a more supportive learning environment that fosters engagement and growth.

Beyond adapting our teaching methods, we must also connect students with available college resources and empower them to advocate for themselves. Providing guidance on academic support services, financial assistance, and mental health resources can make a significant difference in student success. Equipping students with the skills to communicate their needs and seek help when necessary builds confidence and resilience, preparing them not only for the classroom but also for their future careers. However, all of the support at a college cannot provide success if the opportunities for learning are not clear in the classroom.