I think it’s good to talk to student asking the students why they are not able to achieve from the class as they would be expected. I do know that every one of us have personal problems in every stage of our life. Some may be very serious or some depends on how you see the problem (may be a small problem and seen by some as a big issue). Very serious issues I can understand a relative or friend is dead, or the student itself is having major health issues, or a very close friend or relative having major health issues etc. After all the bad time is passed the student is lost and ends up with time management issues. Discussing with the student and helping them to plan and focus to complete the course successfully will be really good and helpful for the students.
But here we have to take a judgment if the issue is really serious due to which the student is not able to do well with the course. Or it could be the student is not taking time to prepare and study the class or the student find or may be feeling a reason by themselves to take things seriously and is not able to focus on studies. But the student seems to be doing very well with social interactions and in student lounge spending more time on other activities.
I do come across students telling their personal reasons why they are unable to learn or do homework, sometimes I think the personal reason is not that big issue in life that the student did not prepare for exam or test or did not do a project or homework which they know weeks before hand.
A mentor and an advisor for each student will be great to have in a college/school. So that the students can approach their advisor or mentor about their issues. I think the advisor and mentor s will know how to have a controlled and structured conversation with the student to analyses the issue and how serious the issue is with the student. The Advisor can coordinate with the teacher and should always monitor the grade of the student and interact with the student at least 3 times for each semester. This way the student problems will be known at the initial stage and the student will get timely advice and support to be successful in the course.
