Possitive feedback is very important, within an academic setting and outside of one. Accentuating the positive by encouragement and favorable comments should ease the student(s) fear(s) of not being successful in their college work.
Offering to help the student (i.e. repeating demonstrations, explaining a concept again, etc.) is also a way of overcoming those fears, because it should give the student(s) the confidence to come to the instructor for help and/or reassurance, if they need it.
Fear is a very powerful emotion, so overcoming that feeling is not necessarily going to be simple. However it is very doable.
Encourage them with anecdotes and success stories from others in the same age group. If they see success, they will be able to picture the success on themselves.
Also, depending on the course, show how the the end result can be, and how they can achieve that result. Present the steps in small steps so that the students can have constant success and positive reinforcement.
Motivating students and writing their goals down on what they are expecting from the instructor and the course. Writing down their strength and weakness can also help the instructor identify what to assist the student on.
I think that I can be generally encouraging and provide good feedback on assignments. I generally try, in the first few days of a course, to have a little class time for working on the first couple of assignments. That way I am available for reviewing their work and providing some encouraging advice.
Joel,
This is a powerful motivator for students. Seeing one of their own, though already graduated and successful up front talking with them is a wonderful to reinforce what is being taught. I use these same type of guest speakers in all of my courses for the reasons you mention.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Zeina,
Good strategy to follow. Often adult students need reinforcement to assure them that they belong in college and can be successful.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
We can share our experiences in the field ,another way is bring guest speaker who went to the same college and they can share their experiences .
It is important to understand the intrinsic and extrinsic factors impacting a student. These factors are going to vary from one student to another. If as an instructor, I can identify solutions or opportunities that positively address some of these factors it will help the student to better understand the learning setting and provide them with confidence in their abilities to handle learning and be a part of the social setting. Instructors should immediately acknowledge and encourage behaviors in individuals who are stepping out of their comfort zones and making efforts to embrace the learning experience and the relationship opportunities that a classroom environment has to offer.
The approach I like to use with all of my students is encouragement. But it can't be just general. I try to make my encouraging statements as specific and unique to each student as possible; therefore, I work very hard to get to know my students.
I believe motivation is a key factor to help students achieve success in the classroom. I try to increase their level of motivation by recognizing and focusing on their positive achievements and help them overcome obstacles and challenges.
A great deal of students fear the unknown. It is my job as an instructor to educate and help them understand the importance of the current class and how is can apply to the end product. Also, to set the expectation that "I'm not out to get them, or try to fail them" and even more, that I am an advocate who has also been through their program and understands exactly where they are - I am here to assist, educate and help them get where they want to be.
Nathaniel,
Coming from a challenging background myself I appreciate your comments and understand your passion for helping your students be successful. You are a role model for them to the point that they know you know the excuses they will give mean they are only trying to blow something by you rather than appreciating the gift of learning you are giving them. Keep being the role model you are and continue impacting the lives of your students. The pay off is tremendous as you know.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Dr. Carlton,
For adult learners as you know the "safe" environment in terms of being able to take risks and even have failures is so important. We are their safety net and they need to know that as the class begins. If they are willing to put forth the effort we will help them to be successful. This is a supportive environment that brings success.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Help them to find mentor,offer tutoring, teach them ways to study. Have them find a study buddy or study group
Dr. Meers, I feel that many of our students come from failure. This means that mother and father didnt graduate from high school, for some they didnt make it passed the eight grade. Sir I am one of those type of students who's home was broken, watching the life of his family wither away. Being that I can honestly relate to my students. I give my all to my students by embedding SUCCESS ONLY IS THE KEY TO THEIR LIVES. Excuses in my class can run a full marathon because I believe change has come when they enter my class.
It is useful to foster a learning environment that is interactive and safe. "Safe" meaning that they can take risks and not have the fear of being humiliated if they in fact take a risk.
I would ask them about the things they have been successful at in their life. I would also really praise them for their decision to go back to school and let them know about all the different ways they can access help, such as tutors, library, asking questions, etc...
Robert,
I agree with you about the rapport aspect of being effective as a professor. You have developed a refined method of reaching out and engaging your students in spite of not being on site. Thanks for sharing these strategies with us.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Harry,
Try to create bridges between their language and life experiences to what is being covered in the class. As them to show you connections that they see. Also, when I have taught such classes I work with them to help me learn some new words in Spanish and then I try them out in class. Whether I get them right or not doesn't really matter to the students. We all have a good laugh, they correct me and we move forward because I was willing to try, just like what I am asking of them.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Harry,
Try to create bridges between their language and life experiences to what is being covered in the class. As them to show you connections that they see. Also, when I have taught such classes I work with them to help me learn some new words in Spanish and then I try them out in class. Whether I get them right or not doesn't really matter to the students. We all have a good laugh, they correct me and we move forward because I was willing to try, just like what I am asking of them.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
