7 Signs Your Students Might Be Struggling (and What You Can Do About It)

[MarisaBluestone]

College can be stressful for students. Between deadlines, personal responsibilities and everything else going on, it’s no wonder they sometimes hit a wall. But academic struggles don’t always look like failing grades or skipped classes. The signs can be much more subtle.

And those signs matter, because stress, anxiety, and depression are among the top factors that negatively affect academic performance. Students grappling with these challenges are more likely to drop classes, delay graduation or simply just leave school. And that’s the last thing we want for them.

Stress and mental health challenges aren’t just personal issues, they show up in the data as well. According to the ACHA's Fall 2024 National College Health Assessment 37.1% of undergraduate students said stress negatively affected their academic performance in the last year. And among students who faced issues like procrastination, financial stress or career anxiety, more than 70% said those problems caused moderate to high levels of distress. That kind of pressure can chip away at a student’s ability to focus, stay motivated or make progress toward their degrees.

By spotting the signs early and offering support, educators can help interrupt this cycle and keep students connected to their learning—and to the future they’re working toward. Below are seven common indicators that a student may be struggling, along with low-lift ways you can offer support. (And if you’d like even more ways to tackle stress and anxiety, Macmillan Learning has some practical tips and strategies from instructors just like you.)

They’ve Gone Quiet

Students who used to participate regularly might suddenly stop showing up in discussions or go completely silent in class. In person, they might avoid eye contact or sit further back than usual. Online, they may stop turning on their camera or leave discussion posts half-written.

What You Can Do: Reach out with a short, empathetic check-in. A message like “I noticed you’ve been a bit quiet lately, everything okay?” can open the door to support without pressure. If you’re using platforms like Achieve, consider using analytics to spot students who aren’t engaging with assignments or course materials so you can follow up early.

They Miss One Class…Then Another

A student who skips one class and then another may be dealing with stress that’s impacting their ability to show up. This pattern can be hard to break once they feel behind or embarrassed.

What You Can Do: Offer pathways back in. Instead of asking why they missed class, ask how you can help them re-engage. Make it clear that missing class doesn’t mean they’ve failed the course. Flexible attendance options, short video summaries, or alternative participation formats can also help students reconnect.

Their Work Quality Changes

A student who usually hands in thoughtful, on-time work starts submitting rushed assignments, incomplete work, or nothing at all. You might also notice more typos, shorter answers, or off-topic responses that suggest they were distracted or overwhelmed when completing it.

What You Can Do: Consider offering a small grace period or flexible deadline. According to Macmillan Learning’s faculty guide, policies like these reduce anxiety and help students stay engaged without feeling like they’re falling behind. In Achieve, flexibility settings like assignment extensions or drop-lowest-score options are easy to apply and can reduce unnecessary stress.

They Seem Disengaged or Disconnected in Class

Disconnection can look like a student who stares at their phone, doodles in their notebook, or avoids group conversations. Online, it might be someone who logs in but never responds to chat, polls, or breakout room prompts.

What You Can Do: Mix things up. Try resetting the classroom tone with something unexpected. You could use a one-word check-in, a silly GIF or a collaborative activity in iClicker to bring students back into the moment. Even a little burst of energy or humor can make the room feel more human and less heavy.

They Avoid Asking for Help

Some students will never say “I’m struggling” even if they are. Instead, they might stop attending office hours, skip clarification questions, or give up midway through an assignment. This can be especially common with students who are perfectionists or fear looking unprepared.

What You Can Do: Normalize help-seeking early and often. Share how you struggled with material as a student or encourage questions with anonymous polls or “parking lots” for lingering questions. If you’re teaching a STEM class, encourage them to take advantage of Macmillan Learning’s AI Tutor, which offers just-in-time guidance at the exact time they need it and without judgment.

They’re Fixated on Grades

When every conversation starts with “what do I need to get an A?” it might be more than ambition — it could be anxiety speaking.

What You Can Do: Reframe the narrative. Emphasize effort, progress, and learning over perfection. Rubrics, low-stakes assessments, or “grade insurance” policies (like dropping the lowest quiz) can also ease pressure. Also, If you're using Achieve, consider upgrading or the goal-setting and reflection surveys, which can help students think about their own learning habits and redefine success in a more personal and sustainable way.

They Mention Feeling Overwhelmed (Even Casually)

Sometimes, students will say “I’m just so tired lately” or “I have no time” — comments that might seem offhand, but signal deeper stress.

What You Can Do: Take them seriously. Acknowledge what they said. A quick note like “I heard you mention feeling overwhelmed. I just wanted to say I’m here if you need support” can offer reassurance. You can also point them toward campus resources or suggest practical tools like study planners or wellness apps.

You don’t have to be a counselor to make a difference. By tuning in to these signs and making small adjustments, you create a classroom where students feel seen and supported. For more tips on tackling stress and anxiety, Macmillan Learning has some practical tips.

Because when students know their well-being matters, learning becomes a lot more possible.