When a young student is accepted by the class they are more willing to speak out in class when called upon.They feel like they won't be laughed at by their peers when they answer a question incorrect. If a harsh comment is made about a student, the instructor should step in and explain to that student why that type of comment isn't allowed in the classroom. This makes the first student feel at ease and shows him that someone is thinking about him.
I have found that when a student doesn't feel accepted they are not as involved in the classroom discussions and tend to fall into the "Loner" perception by other students in the class. The result is that they struggle to get some of the course info that they really need because they don't tend to ask a lot of the questions that they have because, they tend to fell embarassed. I think that it's human nature to want to feel accepted. It doesn't matter whether you are old or young, most people want to belong.
Students need to feel accepted in order to learn in a non-threatening environment where their contributions are valued. By feeling accepted, students will be more likely to contribute and more likely to try out new things, which ultimately contributes to their succes.
I think it's just humane nature for any one to be Accepted not only in a class enviorement but just in general . If we as an istructors can take advantage of that then the better for an outcome can be acomplished.
Students that feel accepted are more likley to come to class and not be absent all the time.It is important that they feel accepted by thier fellow student.But more so that they feel accepted by me.Courtesy and careing go a long way in acomplishig this
Becoming part of the group encorages learning.
Stacie,
I agree. The students do feel valued. You also brought up another important point. It is important for students to form support groups.
Cathy
It gives them a sense of belonging to the group and that they are a valued contibutor. This is support from the other students which will give them confidence to succed in the class
It is difficult to feel accepted if you don't get involved so I try to get each student in the class to be involved in the class activities and then praise them for what ever level they are able to participate. This in turn makes them feel more confident and appreciated. This helps them to achieve sucess. Does the feeling of being an important part of a whole make you feel more motivated to be part of the outcome?
Abbas,
It helps them build a relationship with other students. The students can move through the program with their classmates. I agree,it helps with retention.
Cathy
Gary,
I find it works well. I am always open to new approaches as well. I encourage their suggestions to improve the class.
Cathy
I believe that it is important for students to feel accepted in classes because in reality some students may feel like their unwanted in the environment. If the student does not feel welcome with their surroundings their is always the possibilty that they may drop out of school/class and loose their opportunity in life since they did not feel welcome by their classmates/ teachers. If the student feels comftorable around their peers and teachers their is always a greater chance for them to learn more and get along with their classmates.
Hi Catherine,
This is a great example of how to "draw" out shy students without putting stress on them. They get to find their comfort level, contribute in the group and then share with the total class. I am sure they appreciate this approach very much.
Gary
Students that are shy sometimes are hesitant to contribute in the classroom. I make a point of speaking with the shy students while they are working in groups. I ask for their opinion on topics. I believe by showing them their opinion counts and making them feel comfortable it will help them grow in the classroom. I also use group activities to "force" them to meet other people in the classroom. I don't want them to feel isolated. It is nice to hear the shy students speak with the other students afterwards. Group work engages the students more and allows them to feel more connected in the classroom. It also helps with student retention.
If the student doesn't feel accepted they will be worried about why they are not accepted and ways to fit in instead of learning.
If a student feels like an "outsider", s/he may not come to class. If s/he does attend class, s/he may not participate and there may be mental barriers to learning the material.
Acceptance makes everyone comfortable and open to learning.
Hi Chris,
Well said. Just a little effort and support goes a long way in keeping a student coming to class. The easiest thing to do is fail. It takes no effort. So when students are on the bubble in terms of staying in school they need some support so they will feel like they are accepted and a part of the class.
Gary
The classroom is a small community that everyone needs to feel part of and feel welcome to. Showing up is a big part of education and if a student is uncomfortable in your classs the student may stop attending. It does not take a big effort to welcome everyone to your class everyday and that is a first good step towards reaching everyone individually.
If a student is or feels alienated, they feel they are not part of the team and have no reason to be there. Feeling accepted is a basic human need even for people with great self esteem. A person who feels accepted will be more likely to succeed because they see their contribution as valued and be motivated to work harder.
Hi Melissa,
So true and so important. We all like to feel like we are accepted into a new environment on an equal basis. By knowing we are we then are ready to concentrate on meeting the requirements of that setting. For students acceptance means that the playing field is level and through hard work and effort they can be successful in their course work.
Gary
