Michael,
Good analysis of how to approach and support adult learners. They for the most part know what they want out of the class and their career training. It is our job to help them move forward toward their career goals and empowering them to reach their dreams.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Give them some examples of past issues personally and give them some suggestions on how to overcome their fear. Any good instructor has had several trials in their own experiances and sharing them makes you more like the student in their minds allowing them to become comftable.
By building support groups within the classroom.
Find ways they are successful, find areas they like, and connect this to the topic. This demonstrates that they bring something useful to the table and that I as their facilitator value them and their learned knowledge. I am not setting myself up as the all knowing teacher, I am a guide, they are an adult learner. They know themselves and have the power.
Deborah, I like the visualization idea. I teach business and like to have my students tell me why they chose the field. Then throughout the course, I will attempt to draw them back to their intent - keeping the dream alive.
Kevin,
You have focused on a very important aspect of student success. They need to know they can be successful if they will put forth the effort.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I believe that "being real" with the students and letting them know how youve overcome adversities in your life as well as explaining how "i'm no different than you guys" gives them a comfortable feeling of confidence!
One of the biggest challenges in teaching is helping students overcome obstacles and fears. Some of these obstacles can be overcome with words of support and encouragement. Others require patience, listening, and offering advice.
During our first session, we discuss what type of atmosphere we will create...what will our learning community be. I tell my students that there are no wrong questions and no wrong answers. I also tell them that we are in this to learn from each other. They like that.
Kevin,
This is an important part of being and effective instructor. We need to provide encouragement at key times to keep the students focused and continuing on their learning path.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I always found that positive reinforcement works well in most situations. For some students, the instructor is the only one who is a positive influence in their education. Many times a kind word or an “adda-boy†will do wonders for the rest of the course.
One of the most effective ways to help students overcome their fear of not being successful in their college work is to initially provide work that is easy to accomplish thereby building their confidence while providing an opportunity to encourage the student.
Kenneth,
Thanks for the reference. This is a great book for instructors to read and think about in relation to their own instructional style.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I think the best way to help college students is to motivate and encourage and create in them the sense that they can go to college and be successful.
A book I read in one of my courses was written by Ken Bains, "What the Best College Teachers Do." It offers an analysis of the best college professors in the US who produced successful students. A good start for any teacher entering the teaching profession.
Torria,
Good point. Knowing they have a supportive and encouraging instructor goes a very long way in helping them be successful.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Hector,
So true. Passion and enthusiasm are two critical elements of teaching success.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
There are many ways to help students to overcome their fear of not being successful in their college work. Keeping a positive attitude I believe would be the most effective way. It is important to also stay positive. By giving positive feedback to students may give them a sense of accomplishment and drive to want to do better. Also, instuctors could bring in former successful students as guest speakers to come into the class and talk about their own success.
One of the ways to help students overcome their fear is to encourage them
As an teacher we must trully be passionate about what we are teaching, and to be fully engaged with our adult students success.
James,
Great list of ways to have an enjoyable and engaging class.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
