Freaking out student
I have a student that every time someone needs to perform a new skill she gets histerical. She would ask the person "are you sure you can do it? Sit and think it through, You are so brave for trying" I have to shoosh her. She is so histerical that she refuses to try staff herself. How can I help her. I even tried few times to "walk her throu" the steps without success
Hi Lucille:
Good practice to help minimize unneeded angst.
Students get uptight about all kinds of things. One of jobs is to present material in such a way that it's doable and possible, and a part of the task being taught.
I think if students feel experiencing some difficulty is normal, that also helps mininmize anxiety about learning new things.
Regards, Barry
I agree wiht the small steps also. When we examine a problem we need to take a step back and look at all the parts that are involved in that problem. Once we do that we can start resolving each mini issue one at time so the new task or problem dosen't overwhelm us.
Hi Mark:
We have all kinds of students and various reactions to different assignments. Just like a angry student unhappy with their grade, we would act calmly, listen to the student and appropriately diffuse the anger but give the necessary information. This situation is similar, although the circumstances are different, we can approach it the same way.
Regards, Barry
One on one seems like a good way to tackle the problem. Breaking it down can help too but the most important thing would be a lot of positive feedback when the small sections are accomplished. The instructor also needs to be calm and supportive even though they may be wanting to move on with the rest of the class. I agree with the suggestion of working with the student outside of class or while the rest of the class is working on a self study project.
Hi Colette:
Creating the calm environment should be really helpful, not just for the student "in crisis", but others in the class. Reassuring tones, and conveying confidence surely help diminish these occasional difficult emotional demonstrations by students. Good for you!
Regards, Barry
I have had this problem a few times. Usually it is more of a student crying or freezing up when they need to learn a new task.
Some students are very perfection driven and they expect a newly acquired skills to look expert.
I try to be very calm in my delivery of a new skill and remind the whole group that it takes time to master a new skill. That way my more high strung student gets put so some ease with the rest of them and does not feel singled out.
Hi Dixie:
Interesting website. I think if someone would benefit from the EFT principles, they may be in need of more assistance (professional counseling) than the average teacher has been trained for. But reviewing some of the principles did encourage me to consider working within a system-based method as an approach to solving student disturbances described at the beginning of this thread. Thanks for the link!
Regards, Barry
I suggest introducing her to the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), www.emofree.com. The technique, a meridian-based therapy, is designed to reduce emotional intensity to a manageable level, so that the problem (whatever it is) can be resolved without histrionics or further trauma.
I realize that's a bit out-of-the-box, but go visit the website yourself and try the technique. Then you can decide whether it's within your purview to offer this aid.
Hi Jacquelyn:
Freaking out is really a perceived fear of something that is overly magnified in the mind of the student. Reducing anxiety will help minimize the emotional grasp innacurate thoughts have created within the student. If they feel you care, are approachable, interested in their success, that can help. There are a lot of ways to do this - I think you have to develop these on a case by case basis.
Not until the student recognizes the reality that they are capable of demonstrating their learning will too many approaches be effective. So I would suggest a lot of 1-on-1 in order to reach one level, then more to the next level, and so on, until the student is functioning at least at a satisfactory level.
Regards, Barry
I agree to positive reinforcement, maybe have student try when other students are on break then walk her into it slowely
Hi Christine:
To me, at it's root, feeling overwhelmed stems from fear of...failure? poor grade? not prepared? Whatever, but the fear distorts the reality and sometimes we can help by assisting the student get a grasp on reality, minimize the fears, and approach the situation in a rationale way.
Regards, Barry
I agree, breaking down the whole helps make the overwheming seem doable. I have found that student who "freak out" put too much pressure on themselves to succeed. I had our tutoring center instructor address the new class about study and test taking tips. This helped the students creat a "plan of attack".
I agree, breaking down the whole helps make the overwheming seem doable. I have found that student who "freak out" put too much pressure on themselves to succeed. I had our tutoring center instructor address the new class about study and test taking tips. This helped the students creat a "plan of attack".
Hi Victoria:
I agree if a student feels relaxed or comfortable with the envirionment, they're more likely to be responsive to positive or constrictive suggestions for improvement.
Perhaps a poor or painful past experience can be overcome with just a few extra moments of a caring, listening, understanding teacher who can assure the student that help is available if they are willing to try and not give up. I tell students they haven't failed until they do give up, so keep trying!
Regards, Barry
I agree, small steps. One climbs a mountain one step at a time. Most skills can be accomplished if they are broken down into small steps, and achieved one at a time. Positive reinforcement. One may think about determining what it is that is interfering with her learning...past experiences?
Hi Galit:
Sounds like a self esteem problem? This girl need positive reinforcement that she is capable and competent to do what others in her class are doing. Maybe having her do things in small steps that gradually accelerate close to the regular assignment may help.
Regards, Barry
