Damon,
Good way to set the stage for student success. From that point forward it is up to them to be successful. If they are will to invest the time and effort needed in the course then they will earn a good grade. If not aren't then there are consequences that they will suffer and they need to realize that as well.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree. I also let the students know on the first day that I am here for them and do whatever they need to be successful and that I am not here to make anyone fail but to help them succeed.
Jason,
What are some ways this can be done?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
You can reinforce their positive attributes
Students should believe that they can do anything. If you set your mind to it then the skys the limit. You must believe in yourself in order for others to believe in you. I always start my class off with a QOD..Quote of day. This quote is a positive one and I have the students expalin to me what the quote means to them. I also challenge my students on a daily basis so that I know that they are understanding everything I am teaching them.
Daniel,
This is such an important point to remember. As an authority figure you represent success to them so you need to model what a person in your career field is like while providing them with support during the course. The result will be the human factor coming through while they are gaining content and skills.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
You can let them know you are there to support them in any way you can. You may be the only support system they have. Kind words and a helpful hand do a lot for people.
Viviana,
Thank you for sharing this story with us. I love hearing these stories because they encourage all of us instructors and reinforce why we do what we are doing. We do impact the lives of our students and this case with your encouragement your impact and her effort resulted in an A and a very happy student.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Mary,
Good way to reinforce your students. A few words of encouragement can go a long way in getting students settled into a course and building their confidence. Adult students especially need reinforcement as they start their college career since they have been out of school so long and are uncertain if they can make it in their studies.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I had a student with dyslexia. Although she strove to getting the best grade, even staying late and arriving early, she ended up class with a well deserved A, knowing the material so well she could even teach it, and with how I instructed her helped her to not see her dyslexia as a disadvantage, rather, an advantage in getting additional skills in overcoming the obstacles that dyslexia had in the way. Very proud of that student!
Providing words of encouragement and validating their contributions to class discussions are two ways I try to help students overcome their fear of not being successful.
Jennifer,
This is so important because the educational system is built upon students receiving evaluations from their learning leader. So the more we can get our students to think about their instructors as being consultants to them in terms of helping them be successful and give them support the more success students will have. Yes, we do evaluate their work at the end of the course but prior to that time we can be a source of information and guidance as they learn how to be successful in college.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The only way I feel that you can help students overcome their fear of not being successful is to make sure the students know you (the instructor) are there for support. I tell my students that I am always here for questions, tutoring or whatever the case may be if they need anything. I feel students need that encouragement because who knows what kind of encouragement they receive outside of class. We may be all the encouragement they are receiving.
Aleah,
They need this type of reinforcement to improve in their skill development as well as stay engaged in the learning process.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Complement the student on their strengths. Then suggest ways to improve in other areas.
Jodi,
All good points. It is a big step for these students to be in school so the more we can support their efforts and help them to have early success in their courses the better.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Liz,
Thank you for sharing your success story with us. I love hearing stories like your because this is why we are in the business we are. Helping your population to understand that they are not the first to be in their situation and that most of us understand because we have been where they are is a great way to help them see that their instructors are role models that they can learn from and grow with.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think being supportive, letting them know that it is just a fear. By putting forth effort and trying your best there should be no reason not to be successful. Let them know you are here to help as well.
The students that I deal with are mostly adults in the 30-40 year age group. These individuals usually fall into 2 categories...single parent or struggling family. One way that we show our students how to overcome their fear of being successful is to have prior graduates come in and address them about their fears. Letting them know that they once sat right there and had the same feelings and fears but have successfully completed the program and are working at their chosen field. This tends to put their minds at ease somewhat, it does not totally take away the fear but they know that they are not alone. I have also shared my story of being a single mom and going to college for the first time about 12 years ago and now I am a School Director. I tell them that they just never know where life will take them but they need to take that first step to find out.
Maurice,
Good starting point. Letting them know you understand their concerns since you have been through it just like they are now going through it. Also, if you can help them have success early in the class they quickly realize that they are going to be able to do well in the class and this really builds their confidence.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
