MLM-tool s for Teachers
Apr. 7, 2025As a teacher, you’re probably familiar with this: a student who’s regularly late, seems uninterested, or gets frustrated easily. Sometimes there’s more to it than just a lack of motivation.
As a teacher, you know better than anyone that your students’ lives don’t just take place within the school walls. What happens at home, on the street, or with friends has a direct impact on how they feel and perform in class.
Issues such as stress at home, financial worries, or a lack of self-confidence can all play a role. It’s often these students who need extra support—not just from you, but also from the people around them. But who are those people?
The problem is that, as a teacher, you don’t always have a clear picture of a student’s social network. Who supports them when things get tough? Are there family members, friends, or perhaps someone from a sports club who plays a role in their lives? And how can you, as a teacher, strengthen that network without making it feel like you’re interfering in their private lives?
A student’s network consists not only of family, but also of friends, neighbors, sports coaches, or a club mentor. But often, students themselves aren’t even fully aware of all the people who are there for them. By making that network visible, you, as a teacher, can help them consciously draw on that social support.
Students who have a strong social network are more self-assured. They know they can turn to someone for advice, a listening ear, or practical help. This gives them self-confidence and helps them cope better with setbacks—including at school.
How the " MLM-tool " Can Help You with That
" MLM-tool " (My Life With…) was specifically developed to map out a student’s social network. It is a simple, visual method that allows you to explore the following with your student:
- Who are the most important people in the student's life?
- Where are the opportunities to strengthen the network?
- How can the network actively contribute to the student's well-being and academic performance?
The strength of the “ MLM-tool ” is that the student remains in control. You guide the process, but the student decides for themselves which relationships are important and how they want to make use of them. This boosts the student’s self-confidence and engagement, because they gain influence over their own network.
How does this benefit you as a teacher?
The " MLM-tool " not only offers insight, but also provides concrete starting points for guiding your students:
- Clear insight into the social network
You’ll get a clear overview of the important people in your student’s life and where there may be gaps.Try it for yourself! - Targeted support from the network
You can involve parents, friends, or other support networks in the student’s guidance. This not only strengthens the support provided at school, but also outside of school. - Greater self-confidence and self-direction among students
By reflecting on their own social network and the role it plays, students gain a better grasp of their situation. This also helps them feel more confident outside of school. - Effective and Personalized Guidance
Because you have a better understanding of who plays a role in the student’s life, you can tailor your guidance accordingly. This allows you to offer help that truly meets the student’s needs. Read more about this in ourblogs.
Your role as a teacher is crucial
You’re more than just a subject teacher—you’re often a trusted confidant to your students as well. By better understanding and strengthening your students’ social networks, you not only help them perform better in school, but you also equip them with valuable tools for life. The “ MLM-tool ” helps you fulfill this important role even more effectively.
Here's how you can help your students become more resilient—at school and beyond.
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