What are Remedial Classes?

Remedial classes are often used to stress the basics in a subject such as math or language. They can help students who are having problems with advanced concepts to fully understand the basics of a subject. Students can also use them to catch up on material after a long break from education. Some people look upon remedial classes as embarrassing, but they can in fact be useful tools to gain a more complete grasp of difficult ideas or rules.

If a student appears to be significantly behind the expected level for a class, a teacher may require him or her to take a remedial class. These classes act as a "safety valve" for struggling students, allowing them to work at a more appropriate level, rather than failing because they are not at the same level as the rest of the class. Remedial classes can be a positive environment for students suffering from low-self esteem, as they encourage students to ask as many questions as necessary to understand a subject, rather than feeling pressured to learn everything immediately.

At the college level, remedial classes are sometimes necessary to compensate for different learning standards at preparatory institutions. Not all schools provide the same education, and college may throw together students who have entirely different educational backgrounds. Many remedial classes can also act as a refresher course for students who have taken time off, who are returning to studies after a long absence.

Remedial classes are not necessarily semester or quarter-length classes. Some institutions offer crash courses over a few days or weeks in order to bring students up to speed quickly. They can also be standard classes that go for an entire semester, depending on the complexity of the subject taught or the amount of information covered. These classes usually have tests and homework like any other, often with a focus on review to ensure comprehension by students.

Most remedial classes stress basic concepts that must be understood before complicated ideas can be applied. In remedial language classes, for example, teachers might stress grammar, spelling, and vocabulary. Remedial math usually focuses on basic mathematical functions such as addition, subtraction, and fractions. By getting these concepts firmly in hand, students can better focus on learning complex applications of them in more advanced courses.

Any students required to take remedial classes should not feel ashamed. These courses only help students gain a better understanding of a particular subject. By reviewing and focusing on the basics, students become better prepared to keep up with advanced classes. Remedial courses can also teach students better study and learning habits, to help them succeed where they might have otherwise found difficulty.