I think a few ways to overcome students fear in college would be to let each student know that their is no need to be scared of college due to the fact we all had to go through the same exact process and we all could learn from each other.
Rusty Din,
Students need to see how they fit into the class and what their success potential is and you are giving them that information with your pep talk. This should increase their excitement about the course and how it fits into their career development.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I always tell my students that they will be able to graduate/finish the course as long as they remain focus in reaching their goal, to graduate. For some, I told them that it is one step backward but it will be two steps forward once they finish the course.
Rose,
Thank you for your comments about older students. I really appreciate having them in class as they have so many life experiences that we can connect to when we cover different topics. They are goal oriented and are willing to put forth the effort needed to be successful in the class. Always learn so much from them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Yes, I have found older students to be more afraid. Afraid of the new. The new world of education, new world of students, etc. It is like they are stepping into a whole new life. But, to me adults learners seem to adjust faster and more easier than younger ones. They are more focused and serious about where they are going and what they need to achieve. I very proud of adult learners making such a huge step in such a new world of education today.
LeAnn,
This is such a good idea because it sets the tone for success and helps student to feel that they are a part of something big in relation to their future.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Begin your very first class with an inspiring message - "I'd like to see you all succeed and I am here to support you."
Charles,
Thank you for your comments about how we need to be student centered in our approach. As instructors on the post secondary level it is our responsibility to set the stage for learning through the activities you mention. It is up to the student then to practice self discipline in order to be successful both in the classroom as well as in their career development.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As Tinto discusses, we must focus on the whole student,meaning beginning with the student background,age,goals and expectations,the institution must understand each individual students (Tinto, 2004). The college then must meet the goals and expectations of the student or reform those goals to intertwine them with the fabric of the campus. If the student does not have their expectations met, they are more likely to not be successful. A student-centered college is one that engages the student with learning communities and cohort groups that involve the students with the campus and community. If the student is engaged in the fabric of the college then his background and fears will become less powerful of an influence on his success. An engaged student tends to be a successful student. A faculty member or any staff must then help engage the student in the learning and the college community.
references:
Tinto’s Interactionalist Theory, (2004) ASHE-ERIC Higher Education Report, (30)3, p7-20.
Donna,
So important. What are some ways you should your students you believe in them and their potential?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Show that you believe in them and encourage their progress.
Maggie,
Support and encouragement is what keeps many students in school. Many of our adult students are facing tremendous distractions outside of the classroom If we can show them we care about them and their future they are much more likely to stay in school and complete their training.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Michael,
This is a very important role. It is easy for students to get worn down or distracted from what their goals are. Help with their regaining their vision of why they enrolled in the first place is critical to keep them moving forward in their program.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As an instructor if we show that we care, giving postive support and encouragemnent, I believe that the student would overcome their fears of not being successful in their college work.
Our job as instructors, I think, is to really help facilitate this envisioning process, and show them the steps needed to attain their vision.
Monir,
So true and such an important part of the support we provide out students. If the student with a disability is willing to put forth the effort needed for success then I will try to provide the necessary accommodations to facilitate that success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am agree, No matter what kind of disablity student have, there is nothing can stop them to be successful in school . Just they need to know if they have set goal and work hard that can get what ever they want to have.
Dorothy,
Little things quickly add up to become big things when it comes to reinforcing students. Adult students are in reality, or at least I think so nothing more than taller children. They like to receive feedback and be complimented for good work.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I find that complimenting a student on a job well done on a test or just relaying a brief comment like "good point" during class discussion conveys positive feed back by me. I see positive reactions from the students.
Also especially in the nontraditional learners, sometimes acknowledging when they have improved on test or quiz, they will respond with two hands up high in a "hooray".
I think that when students realize that the instructor cares about them and is supportive, they will put forth more effort and their motivation increases.
I think an instructor should be positive, supportive, and show concern for their students.
Brandon,
All good ideas for preparing and motivating students for success in your class. If they are dedicated to success then it can be theirs if they are willing to put forth the effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
