Let them know you were in their place once when learning the information. This lets the students feel as if you understand where they are at presently.
Give examples of ways they learned before (ie. driving a car). At first it was difficult and required a great deal of mental activity. So it became easier until they now drive places without thinking about each action.
Test regularly in small incriments. This takes pressure off learning large amounts of materail at one time. The students also can gauge how they are doing in the cousre on a regular basis. But along with this all old material is fair game on the tests. This makes them continue to review and tie all of the elements together. Soon their knowledge base has grown and they can be reminded frequently.
Be a student yourself. Enroll in a class. The students love when you have to study, take tests and are in their place. They really relate to this technique. You can compair notes on how challenging it is for you at the same time they have the same challenges.
As a student: Self disipline, goals, focus, study daily in small incriments (10-20 minutes), repeat, repeat ,repeat what you've studied. Apply to common daily activities.
As an Intructor: Have fun with teaching. If you are having fun the class will also. Be flexible. You need to adapt to the situation. Learning does not always follow the course syllabus. Sometimes you need to veer away from the subject to learn the subject. Stopping a students thought process may stop the learning. Of course if the subject is getting to far off the mark then you need to refocus back to the subject. Many times I have found that following the thoughts of the students will lead to better understanding of the material.
The instructor also needs to realized the material is new to the student. you have studied the materail several times and may also have used it in another profession. It makes sense to you, however, the student may find the way you present the materail to be confusing. Many times other students can state the material in a different manner so everyone understands.
For new college students, the most important thing they can do is attend class. If they are in class, they will become involved and feel a part of the class and by then the fear should be gone. It is all about becoming comfortable in the situation.
Hi Eric,
Right you are about the need for variety in your instructional delivery. Students like change which in terms enables you to appeal to their different learning preferences. This makes it a win win for everyone.
Gary
I always point out what the student did well first. Then if there is room for improvement I will point out a better way to do soemthing rather than telling the student they did something incorrect.
I tell my students that they have a goal, small moments lead to success, I am here to help make them successful, remind them that they are dedicated, disciplined students; basically I am their cheerleader! I keep an upbeat, passionate, motivating attitude in class. I always greet my students when I see them outside of class! They are special!
Hi Todd,
The three Es are good for everyone to think about as they prepare for and enter into the classroom. These 3 will assist enthusiasm and excitement which leads to increased student retention.
Gary
Give them options. Not everyone learns in the same way, or is specifically good at certain types of questions or exercises. Giving them an option in order to complete a project (example: write a speech, a persuasive paper or a first-person narrative to fill a writing requirement) gives them a sense of ownership of their success as well.
Empathize, Encourage, and Elevate! Because I don't know what it took for my students to make it to my class, I cannot pretend to know what its like to walk in their shoes. However, having empathy helps me to better teach the class in a way that ties there experiences to the material. It also helps me to encourage them to pusher even harder to pursue their goals not only in my class, but in every class they take. I find that ultimately, they elevate themselves by producing quality work in my class.
Those things are important, Melanie, although modified a bit for online learning. I also provide information on how to study in an online environment and present time-management techniques.
I agree with this wholeheartedly. One of the things I do in my class room after giving lots of new or complicated information is to tell my students to "have a think". I set a timer for 2 minutes and ask them to go back over what we have just covered and make sure it makes sense before we move on. I also say that I am expecting questions and want them to ask b/c I don't want to go forward until they understand. I have found that this approach helps relieve fears that students have about asking questions. When they see their classmates asking questions, they realize it is ok and are more apt to ask as well.
One of the things I constantly tell my students is that my job is to set them up for success--whatever that means. For some, it is staying after class and spending time with them individually, for others it is offering encouragement in class and via grading of assignments.
I also use my own personal experience about how my undergrad days were not the best and that i was actually on academic probation for some time. However, my MA days were much better and I graduated at the top of my class. I use this to let students know that their past does not define who they are going forward!
At the first class meeting, I ask them to stand say their name and why they are in school. What are their 5 year goals? I usually make a joke about knowing their names by the end of term. I try to make the class room less threatening...more human.
I like to make sure students know when I am available and will remind them throughout the course that I am always here to help. I also remain in the classroom during the breaks because I have found that students will ask me questions at this time that they were uncomfortable asking during the class. They may have plans after class or are ready to leave so won't stay after to ask their question. I try to give encouragement and positive critiques on all papers/exams/homework that has been turned in. I feel feedback is very important. Ultimately, it is up to the student to motivate themselves to be successful, but I am always willing to support them in this process.
Hi George,
Good point. Students can have some fear as they start a new course because that helps them to really listen and try to determine what is going to be required and how they can be successful in the course. This way their fear becomes an asset because they don't just lay back and let the course come to them, they look for ways to accomplish what is required.
Gary
That is true. I have several students who are highly motivated to complete their studies, so they can get a promotion or change their career fields after they graduate.
I like the question "fear of not being successful in their college work" because not all fear is bad. So as an instructor it is important to define what is being successful is to the student. Some student have an all or nothing attitude called perfectionism.Not quitting if not impeccable is successful.
Tina,
I like your approach. The Top 10 List is a great idea. Sometimes we forget that we too experience fear and must remind ourselves that we must overcome our fear, before we can help our students to the same.
Hi Susan,
This is an important point. The students need to be helped to see the big picture of where they are going with their studies. Then they will be able to see how the different courses fit within their career development.
Gary
Hi Alan,
I also like the sequence and your approach using the "Learning Agreement". I too use a contract between my students and myself. For most of my students they abide by the contract terms.
