What would you do if you had a student who has simply given up on their education, believing they can’t do it?
Apparently, this student had developed a sense of learned helplessness. That’s Martin Seligman’s concept of when someone feels that they’re not worthy or whatever they do won’t make a difference.
That said, to restore this student’s self-belief and confidence, you’ll need to work on their self-concept. Let them know that they’re worthy, and they matter in society. That others need them, and they have a bright future and so on.
This student’s case is not a matter of studying or school, rather it all revolves around their self-identity/concept. I’m pretty sure that something is not right at home. Be their protective factor to promote resilience in this child.
Hope this helps.
PS: try approaching your student as a friend, as someone willing to listen to gain their trust, so they’d open up to you. Keep studying/activities on hold for a while until you know what’s going on.
Rafi Metal