I think Einstien said " experience is the name we give to our mistakes" I love that saying.I let everyone know that this is school and if you knew what you were doing you would'nt be here. I treat all with the same respect and fairness, I make all feel comfortable by saying the only difference between you and I is my age and experience. Besides that we are all the same.Never put down or belittle.
I think a good way is to provide ample encouragement and positive feedback in relation to class participation. This way they have a foundation to build on.
Hi Marie,
You are right on with your comments about the need for clear and open communication. This is very important in establishing a comfort level for the students as well as providing them with support as needed.
Gary
Having a good communication channel established will enable you to discuss and listen to your students regarding their work - giving constructive feedback is very helpful, and can often serve as positive validation of college work. It will lead to overcoming fear in the form of establishing confidence in the student as the student becomes an expert in the course work, and ultimately their career field of choice.
Let the student know that everyone learns at different levels, and that this is okay.
Helping students see the smaller, more achievable steps involved in being successful in college and how they add up to achieve significant goals is one great way we can help those students who are feeling anxious.
Put them in groups with all different ages of students and let them get to know each other so they see that many people have these doubts but they can be successful.
Hi Benny,
This is a good balance for involving students of ages and experience backgrounds in the course. This also lets them develop respect for you and each other.
Gary
Some of the ways to help students overcome their fear of failure by teaching the content in a playful (more laid back) approach while at the same time providing substance. Doing this draw in the younger student(they get entertained) while at the same time giving the older student substance to make their time.
Hi Sara,
Thanks for sharing this example. This is a common theme for many of us that returned to school later in life. Our students appreciate these examples because they often feel they are the only ones that have ever come back to school at their age.
Gary
Hi Steve,
Good strategies. You are providing valuable learning methods to your students to help them have early success in the course. This will help them to get settled in and ready for the rest of the course.
Gary
I remember when I returned to college for my teaching degree. I received a "D" on the very first quiz I took! It terrified me-I threw myself into my work and ended up graduating summa cum laude. When I look back, I always remember that first "D" and how ashamed I was because I was an older student. I keep this in mind now and do everything I can to give the students the information and tools they need to do well...and I tell them that I had to learn how to study too.
I encourage the to ask questions if they dont understand the topic we are going over. Reading some of the other discussions I also feel that being accessable before and after class is an important tool for the success of the student. The student also needs to be fully engaged in class presentations as well as all lab functions to be successful in college.
I see many students come into the class, unsure of what to expect from me and from the course itself. For some, that fear can be a significant hindrance in the learning process. Therefore, I have a responsibility to help alleviate those fears. Feedback and positive reinforcement are essential. I am able to provide this in class discussion activities, as I thank a student for his/her contribution and point out the value in the insight he/she has shared. I remind students that we each have a unique perspective on these topics, and the different way we approach the solution is what leads to lively class discussions.
Another way I am able to encourage is through substantive feedback on work submitted. Not only do I point out areas where additional development could be provided, but I recognize the good points in the work the student has submitted. I always end on a positive note reminding them I have faith in them. I also send personal notes/emails to students with positive feedback on their work. I utilize that type of interaction to recognize work that has gone “above and beyond” but also to encourage students who are slowly making improvement, just to let them know I recognize their hard work.
I believe the key to helping alleviate the fear is reassuring students they are valuable contributors to their course. Help them to see that through sharing their own experiences they are helping to create a rich learning environment.
I agree with many others who have already suggested having clear expectations up front. This allows all students to know what's expected of them and it eliminates the guesswork.
Additionally, I think allowing students to reveal information about themselves organically is a plus. Putting students on the spot or asking them about their "work experiences" when they are older may make them feel alienated from the rest of the group.
Some of the ways I use to help my students overcome fear of not being successful in college work are:A.Break down the class into smaller parts that are easily digested by the student.B.Talk about my first experiences in the field and mistakes I made and that mistakes are not a deterrant to success but leaning tools.
I think early success in the classroom is a good way to help students get over their fear of failure in college. It could be practicing a skill over several times or a pretest and discussion on how to study and answer the questions correctly.
Explaining the assignments, encourage them to look forward and talk a lot about of this new career and how much they improve since the first day class
Hi Rebekah,
You have a great way of establishing your presence with your students. By telling them of your own experiences you establish that you have worked hard to get where you are and that you understand where they are at in their own career development. Your offer of support lets them know that you are going to be there for them when they need help and encouragement. These strategies cover both the intellectual and emotional aspects of being a student.
Gary
Some ways to ease the fear of not being successful in college work are: involve homework and assignments that allow students to practice and retain knowledge learned in lectures, By offering classes in different styles to allow for all types of learners to succeed, and to point out the positive aspects of what the student has done along with ways for them to improve.
