Make them feel comfortable by listening to the fears and give them tips to help them. For example, one of my adult students has a really hard time taking test. So I told him before you take a test take 5 long deep breathes. It helped, his test score went up by 15%.
Praise them every day for SOMETHING, whether it's a great grade they just had on a test, how well they are interacting with their peers, or what a great question they asked during lecture. Also, always point out how far they've come if they begin to feel that they're not doing well at this time. Make them know they have an abundance of support that is accessable at all times. I give my phone number & email to my students, so they may contact me at any time.
That is a great point. Some of the stories you hear in the classroom are really unbelieveable. Some students face very difficult circumstances and appreciate a kind word. I really admire some of these students and it makes me want to be better.
That is a great idea. Many concepts can be complex and it helps to break them down into more manageable sizes.
Encourage them to show up. Be prepared for class. Provide a safe environemnt for them to particpate. Give them your full attention when they do particpate. Thank them for sharing. Reminding them that we have both been in this situation and I felt the same way they did. However, you must just jump in and be responsible for your education. Prepartation and Participation.
Kerry
I believe instructors can set students up to succeed by making the learning objectives and assignments seem accessible. For example, an instructor may break a large assignment down into small more manageable assignments.
Give them your experience and try to relate it to them. We were all there and had to overcome our fears.
My method is no stressing in my class and all students must relax. This works for me very well.
First off I want the student to feel at home in the classroom. I want to let them know that I am here for them, and will discuss any topic or problems they may have. Next I give a small history on my back ground, where I'm from, my education, places I've worked ect.. try to let them know that I was in the same place as they are now. I open up an around the room topic of where are you from, and what brought you here to our school. I ask all students the same questions and this will show most, that they all have something in common. It is a good opening ice breaker. Lastly give a easy simple request to try their best, ask plenty of questions, and don't place too much on yourself at first, I say "Remember, give yourself a chance to learn, don't be so hard on yourself."
Some students who attend career colleges have not had any academic success since high school. It is important to provide positive feedback to the student from day one of class. Once the student has passed the first test, complete a lab check-off, or present a case study and see that they can achieve success builds their confidence. The instructor plays an important role in decreasing the student’s fear of not being successful in college. Words of encouragement and tutoring often helps the student become successful. The student must know that the instructor believes and is willing to assist them in becoming successful in class and college.
Hi Alexis,
Right you are. This is why it is so important to get the students off to a good start in a new class. How do you help your students to get off to a good start in a new class?
Gary
Every one is responsible for their own life outcome. It should not be the dependency on some one else whether you are successful or not.Being successful starts with you.
go over reviews to decrease fears about testing
I try to relate some of the things that we are doing to things that everyone does everyday. Especially if the students feel like they will "never get it."
I will remind them that with each class we are practicing and applying the different skill sets that they are learning.
I try to relate it to something with their current job, if applicable. I will remind them that they didn't always know how to do their job; that, when they started, they probably knew nothing about their job and now they are proficient and comfortable with the tasks they have to complete.
With younger students who have not held jobs I will try to relate this to some other skill they have gained.
One of the best ways for a student to overcome their fear of not being successful in their college work is by communicating with them and giving them words of encouragement. For example, if a student is fearful they will need me to write some encouraging words on areas that they exceeded on in their coursework. If they went into great detail on their paper I commend them for that. I found that words of encouragement will take that student far and aid them in overcoming their fear.
I like to assume in my conversations with students that they will be successful I don't imply that it is easy but rather that it is certainly something they can accomplish and that we will f=move forward in increments that are to be absorbed and processed before moving further. Each day will buils upon the previous material and we will look back when we have finished to see the progression of knowledge attained.
Hi Lydia,
This is a good point. Students think they are the first ones to be stressed, frighten, and worried about being successful in college. Once they find out that it is common for everyone, including their instructors, to feel this way they start to settle down and look for how they can be successful in the course. This is why it is important for them to see the instructor as a human and to realize that all instructors are former students themselves so they have been where they are and understand what they are going through. This sets the stage for the students and the instructor to work together to get through the course with maximum benefits.
Gary
One of the ways to help students overcome fear, is to acknowledge that their fears are normal. Discuss their reasons and explain that preparation as well as clear communication with the faculty will help with some of those fears. However, life is unpredictable, as we have experienced. There are times when unexpected emergencies or situations occur. And, these unforeseen situations throw a kink into our schedule and can create havoc. I therefore ask my students - How can we be prepared for the unexpected? Is it possible to schedule time for these unknown emergencies?
Hi Curtis,
By using yourself as a case study in life long learning and the willingness to take risks by coming back to school you can inspire your current adult students. You are making your own story a part of being a model for your students.
Gary
Perhaps the easiest way is by indicating that I was just such a late student and that I continue to take courses at my age. I can stress the advantages they have over traditional students and encourage them to help the younger ones.
