I think that success depends on whether or not the student feels as though he or she is accepted. Especially for non-traditional students who feel as though they may not be accepted before starting the class. I try my best to let my students know how they are doing each class period and weekly, by returning work in a timely fashion. I give them encouragement as often as possible and expect them to want to help one another do well. I do a variety of group activities to allow the students to "get to know" one another a bit more. This really helps the students become more comfortable with their fellow students and myself as well as the subject matter.
It is important for a student to feel accepted because it makes them feel welcome,comfortable and most of all important.If a student feels these things they will have less things to worry about and will be able to concentrate on learning.
If a student does not feel accepted, they are less likely to engage the material, since it "doesn't matter" to them as far being rewarded for their own unique efforts is concerned. If their definition of success requires such reward, the class might either become irrelevant or a hindrance along these lines.
Hi Cassie,
This is a very good point we instructors need to remember. We need to make sure we are looking around to see if all of our students are getting settled into the course and feeling comfortable. This is so important if they are going to feel accepted into the course.
Gary
If all the students in the class do not feel like they fit in then they will not contribute to the class. If you have a student that sits alone and doesn't feel as if he/she fits in, then not only are they going to miss out on important information, but the class is going to miss out on anything this student could contribute. For example if you have a student that doesn't feel accepted he/she may not share a great life experience that the whole class could learn from. I know its not easy making everyone feel accepted but the more they feel this way the better everyone will learn.
I try to help my students accept eachother from the first day by seperating them into random groups. I then have seen those groups still working together after a couple quarters of classes.
For many students they are afraid to participate because they don't want to feel alienated in the class. If the atmosphere of the classroom is one that is comfortable and they feel accepted, they will be much more likely to get involved in all aspects of course discussion; individual, small group, and large group discussion. For the more introverted student, they need to see that the other students are being accepted before they are willing to contribute themselves. Once they see that a students contribution is alwasy accepted (even if they are wrong they are not ridiculed for their answer) they will be more willing to try it out. Once they participate and receive positive feedback, they are more willing to stay involved.
Hi Stacy,
Good point about helping students to feel accepted into the course. This is so important for students that are uncertain about how they are going to do in the course. By having early success and feeling accepted they get settled into the course and are ready to learn.
Gary
It is very important for students to feel accepted so that are comfortable in the classroom. This way, they are more open to learning in a safe environment. It helps with their success because if they feel accepted, they will be motivated to return to class and to respond in a positive manner.
Hi Vicki,
Right you are in terms of students needing to feel accepted into the class setting. If they are comfortable with the instructor and feel respected by other students they well be more engaged in the class.
Gary
In my experience, acceptance leads to a student feeling like part of the "team". If the student feels like they are part of the team they are more likely to participate in class activities and their attendance is better because they don't want to let the team down by missing a class.
In my experience, students that do not feel accepted become alienated and have trouble learning. Therefore it is important for me to know their sensitivities and concerns to keep them comfortable and happy and learning.
I feel it gives them a sence of acceptance. Being an older student or a younger one every one likes to feel welcome. That starts on the first day by the instructor.
I make a point to have each one introduce themselves on the first day of class with information about why they are taking this class, do they have any prior experience with geology, and what they hope to accomplish, what are their goals for attending college. As the semester goes along I am sure to respond to all questions that are asked, giving each equal value, so they student asking the question believes that they are making a positive contribution to the class. Of course, there is a fair amount of humor that goes along with each class, when everyone is smiling, or laughing, they feel much more at ease.
Hi All,
What are some strategies that you all use in getting students settled into your classes and feeling comfortable with the setting? Once that has been accomplished what do you do to get them to feel accepted into the class?
Gary
Feeling accepted is very important. If a student is accepted in the class, welcomed into the group, that student will be much more likely to enjoy coming to class, feel more relaxed, open, and willing to participate in class discussions and group work. If they do not feel accepted, just the opposite will happen, which is not beneficial for the student, the rest of the class or the instructor.
Most people have a basic need to be accepted by their peers. No one wants to be an outcast, or to be made fun of. People don’t like to fail; they have an instinctive need to succeed at a task. Being accepted by others in a classroom environment will help them succeed by allowing the other students to give them support and to realize that others go through the same struggles that they do. We all share a common experience, and can benefit from each others support.
Hi Laura,
These kinds of examples make me cringe. We need to reflect on these examples and make sure we don't ever project such an attitude to our students. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Gary
I have an example of what not to do. One of my instructors' feedback to student was that the reading of the student's paper was a waste of the instructor's time. Needless to say damage was done and action was taken.
Feeling accepted helps with success because you feel equal to you're peers.
