It very much is a mind set indeed, By letting them know and understand that with a little practice they too can, and will be successful definately will motivate them and in turn they will be successful.
Brenda,
Good point and one instructors need to consider as they set up their learning format. For adult students having a supportive learning community is very important for their success.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Fear of the unknown, (especially a student's fears concerning how they will form relationships in college) can be partially countered by helping the students to foster relationships in class with each other. Classroom activities can be provided for this purpose.
Carl,
Good points about student fears. My non-traditional students seem to have the higher level of fears because they have been out of school for a number of years and they feel like they can't be successful in the class when they are up against younger students that understand technology better. I have to work hard to keep them engaged and feeling like they can be successful. When they are it is a wonderful time for both the students and myself.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Roger,
These students are powerful motivators for the current students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
James,
In a subject like this it is so important to reinforce their successes, no matter how small they are. Adult learners that have been out of school for a while seemed to need even more support as they can easily become discouraged and want to drop out.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
All students have fears. Fear of failure can be lessen by removing some of the unknown. Defining the goals that are to be obtained and the measures that will be used to test the student's skill will help the student realize the goals are obtainable. Feed back on how each student is doing is important to remove fears, and when students are not progressing,then aid, tutoring should be provided.
We have diversity of age in career college. Younger students who recently graduate from high school may have a fear of social failure if they fail their class or may not be confident based on their previous academic experiences. Older students who graduated from high school 15 or 20 years ago may have a bigger fear factor of failing to learn new skills. Instructors need to understand student characteristics in order to provide support and encouragement to the students.
I believe every instructor needs to let students know they are support system. Also, instructors need to motivate students that they can complete the class or program choice of study. These two attributes can help elminate fear
by having past students come and share thier success stories
As a math teacher I often see the "I can't do this" attitude. It helps to highlight their small accomplishments as evidence that they really can do it.
Listening to their concerns and trying to individually address issues would be where I would begin. I would then follow that up by maintaining an interest in the issue, offering quality advice or assistance and providing encouragement throughout the process.
Review things with them and always encourage them that they can do this work and are doing fine. Always send students out with review of what is due next class and an encouraging word and a SMILE!
Jamie,
This is a very important part of being an educator. Provide support and encouragement to and for your students and you will experience much teaching success.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
David,
This is a comfortable and supportive way to engage students and get them focused on the upcoming course sessions. I like your approach to the first day.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Dominga,
Good strategies. These are supports that show the students that help is available and they are valued if they are willing to put forth the effort.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Positive reinforcement is HUGE! Giving student praise helps to build confidence in their work, making them more likely to put in the effort and move forward.
I find that by making the classroom learning atmosphere flexable and humorous at times, students get the idea that they can contribute personal events and experiences to the discussion. By starting with a theme (based on the material to be covered), I add in some real life events (sometimes personal) or TV shows that many of the class will identify with. This acts as a catalyst for student input and makes the information more understandable, useful, and enguaging for the class than the standard lecture.
It also gives me an appreciation of the the life experiences that these people have had before they ended up in my class. I find that it has a way of bringing the class together to get something out of each session.
Creating a support system.
Give encouraging feedback by letting them know that they can become successful.
Help them to remain focused on their career goals.
Keep them motivated to continue.
On their first day, I spend time going over the course syllibus. I give time for questions adn discussion. Then I lay out objectives and expectations. From that point I ask some open-ended questions to get students involved. This allows me to gain insight into their life experience. It also allows me to validate them and what they bring to the table. I assure them that we are on a journey together and that we will arrive at the goal.
