5 Proven Techniques to Build Confidence in Struggling Students
5 Proven Techniques to Build Confidence in Struggling Students
By Matthew Jacobson | Navigation Education Solutions
For students who find learning difficult — whether due to disability, trauma, behaviour challenges, or gaps in foundational skills — confidence is often the first thing to erode. And without confidence, even the best teaching strategies can fall flat.
The good news? Confidence can be rebuilt. With the right approaches, educators can help struggling students regain their belief in themselves, reconnect with learning, and feel safe enough to try again.
Here are five proven techniques that help build confidence in students who’ve learned to expect failure:
1. Start with Strengths, Not Struggles
Students who struggle often receive a steady diet of correction. Instead, start by identifying what they can do — even if it’s outside the academic box. Are they creative? Socially aware? Good with their hands? Able to make people laugh?
Use those strengths as a foundation. Celebrate small wins. Let them see themselves as competent in something — and then build the bridge back to learning from there.
🟡 Tip: Try a “strengths spotlight” activity in class, and let every student be the expert at something.
2. Set Goals They Can Actually Achieve
Confidence grows through experience — not just praise. Struggling students benefit from micro-goals they can realistically reach. When we aim too high too fast, we risk reinforcing failure.
Break tasks into smaller steps, celebrate progress visibly, and make success feel possible again.
🟡 "You read five pages today — that’s five more than yesterday. That’s growth."
3. Model Mistakes and Normalise Struggle
Students need to know that failure isn’t a verdict — it’s part of learning. When adults openly model their own mistakes (“Oops — I got that wrong, let me try again”), we normalise the learning process.
Avoid saying things like “It’s easy” or “Just try harder.” Instead, show that struggle is safe, and that effort — not perfection — is what you value.
🟡 Confidence doesn’t come from always being right. It comes from knowing you’ll be okay when you’re not.
4. Create Predictable, Supportive Routines
Many struggling students also experience anxiety, attention challenges, or sensory overwhelm. A chaotic or inconsistent classroom only compounds the problem.
A calm, predictable environment — with visual schedules, clear expectations, and consistent support — creates the safety students need to take academic risks.
🟡 Structure isn’t just for behaviour — it builds the emotional security that makes confidence possible.
5. Give Them Roles That Matter
Nothing builds self-worth like a sense of contribution. Give struggling students responsibilities that allow them to shine — peer mentoring, leading a routine, or helping the teacher with a task.
It sends a clear message: You are capable. You belong here. We trust you.
🟡 Inclusion isn’t just access. It’s participation with purpose.
Building Confidence is an Act of Inclusion
When we focus on restoring confidence, we’re not just helping students feel better — we’re opening the door to deeper learning, stronger relationships, and more inclusive classrooms.
At Navigation Education Solutions, we equip teachers and school leaders with practical strategies to support students with diverse learning and behavioural needs. Our Masterclass in Inclusive Practice dives deep into how to create environments where every student — even the most discouraged — can thrive.
📍 To learn more or register for an upcoming workshop, visit www.navigationed.com.au
📩 matthew@navigationed.com.au | 📞 0414 749 668
