At the first class meeting, I present the students with a mildly challenging problem to solve by the "Delphi Procedure" as follows: First they obtain results individually. Then after listing the individual answers on the board, I place the students in small groups (three or four) to work collectively and find an answer they agree upon. Group memberships are then changed in order for the class eventually to agree upon a single (correct) answer. This project achieves several goals at once, including individual success (a big help in overcoming fear of failure), introduction to group effort with classmates, and exposure to a proven research method which I have used professionally.
Praise and encouragement, and correlating past employment skills and experience to the coursework.
Hi Imran,
I like the way you outlined the circle of learning for adults. You are right about the rich experiences they bring to class and then how they share these experiences as they gain the technical knowledge needed for the career field. This is one of the reasons I enjoy teaching adults so much.
Gary
They are ageless; age has no relevance to adult learners. They have wealth of relevant and non- relevant knowledge and experiences in life that can augment their comprehension. People lacking that are theory to practice whereas Adult learner go from practice to theory and then to enriched practice again.
I highly agree! I offer extensive positive feedback and encouragement to my students as well as clarifying daily expectations and strategies for successfully meeting those expectations.
At the end of every class, I ask if anything is unclear or fuzzy; if there are any questions; if anyone is facing any challenges in any area; and if they have any feedback about the course content and delivery.
I think that listening and offering words and gestures of approval and encouragement are critical.
I believe in motivation is key
Setting an example of your own completion.
Sometimes, students are very insecure about their abilities in school. One thing an instructor can do is set students up in study groups. This will get students to not only help each other, but see that others have the same fears they do, making them feel more comfortable. One thing my college does is we have student peer tutors. Oftentimes, a student will not want to ask their instructor for help, but may feel comfortable asking another student. We have seen great success with our peer tutoring program. I think it has a great effect on helping students overcome thier fears of not being successful in college.
Give them the confidence they need by presenting the expectations of the class so they know exactly what is going to take place throughout the course. Knowing the expectations the students gain confidence.
Point out the sucess that they have had in life so far in another area.
When students fear being successful in college, I have found it beneficial to let them know they are not alone. Providing them with feedback and encouragement has also been helpful. Constant reminders that they can achieve anything they want to keeps them going; they just have to take one day at a time.
Let them know that I am here to help them, and also let them know when and where I am available outside of class.
Students especially adult students come to us with a built-in fear of returning to the educational arena. They rationalize that they have been out of school for such a long period and had not been assessed are tested and are extremely concerned that they will fail. This fear of failure is not addressed immediately by the instructor can be a self-fulfilling prophecy. The student will become frustrated and set up a natural barrier to the learning process. Therefore it behooves the instructor to present the material in a manner that causes the student to interview late in bring into the classroom real-life experiences, which gives them the confidence which comes from being involved in the learning process as opposed to being just a receipent of the educational materials presented.
All students in my opinion require positive reinforcement. The reinforcement does not necessarily have to be in the form of praise, but often times can be more in the form of recognition. A good instructor will apply to the learning process the opportunity for individuals to question the material being presented and respond as a group to specific situations. I believe that this will create an atmosphere in the learning environment which is conducive to learning.
So through creating an interactive learning environment, recognizing students for their accomplishments, giving them credit when credit is due for their responses, and encouraging them.
Hi Colleen,
This is a really good way to start the a class. I do it with my classes and my students really like seeing where they are at in relation to the upcoming course. Also, by having the results of the quiz you have a baseline on your students to help with instructional planning.
Gary
Always being supportive is important when helping students to overcome their fears. Let them know you will do whatever you can to help them through the class without of course, doing the class work for them. They have to be responsible, but let them know we will work together as a team.
One way to build confidence right away in your very first class session, is to give an easy quiz-just basics that all of the students are likely know from previous classes or experience. You can tell them that it won't be graded, that you're just trying to assess what they already know. If you ask things they are likely to know from previous classes or experiences, it will give students confidence that they can and will succeed in college.
I like to provide support to my students by letting them know they can come to me for help anytime they need it. Wheather it relates to the class I am teaching, another class, professional support or personal support. I have always tried to keep an open door policy to my students. I provide them with contact information such office phone number and email address. My students also know that they can approach me in the hallway if need be. I try to make them feel at home will in school. As an instructor I am hear to help them succeed.
I would have to say be supportive, relate their life experiences to their schooling, (give school value) and show them that you care. When you do that, it makes them focus on their goals rather than them focusing on if they are going to make it or not.
Hi Cliff,
Thank you for sharing this example of how a few words of support can greatly influence the life of a person. You are living proof that through the words of a friend you are now an instructor that is influencing the lives of students each time you teach. Keep up the good work.
Gary
I think it's important to help them understand that, as with many endeavors in life, an understanding of the process is key to developing confidence, and ultimately, success. Encourage them to discover and use the learning tools at their disposal. Teach them how to study. Connect them to additional resources.
Also, take some time to get to know your students. Most students have something they are proud of, whether it's a past success, skill or natural ability. In knowing, you can relate new information to their strengths while challenging them to develop new strengths – and a broader skill set.
On a personal note, I try to encourage them like I was encouraged. Just before my return to school at the age of 29, a friend of mine simply said: "You'll do great in college." Replaying this positive affirmation in my head got me through some tough times in school – in fact, it became a self-fulfilling prophesy. I exceeded my own personal expectations by graduating with honors.
