I recently started sharing some of my academic failures with students. I am not exactly sure how I or they feel about that knowledge and continue to wonder if it is a "good idea"?
The beginning of the term is always scary for a student. Even if they have had you for an instructor before they are always afraid of the workload of the class material. It is very important the first day of class to set the expectations and to bring fun into the classroom. Ice breakers are great to help them relax and get to know the other students in the class. Making the students aware of how much you care about them and that you are more than willing to go above and beyond to give them extra help also helps make them feel more secure in the classroom
STUDENTS INTERACTION IS VERY IMPORTANT. YOU CAN GUAGE IF THE REALLY UNDERSTAND THE SUBJECT MATTER.
I find that having positive words to the students and using the coaching method to pump up the students to be excited to learn helps to overcome some of their doubt.
My former program director had this dictator-type teaching style and managing style. She was so intimidating to the students, they were never comfortable and confident in front of her when it came time to test their skills. It's always been my experience as a teacher to build up the student's confidence by encouraging them and complimenting them on what they do right, while correcting (nicely and respectfully) what they do wrong. Patience is a great quality to have as a teacher when you're teaching a very "particular" set of skills.
When I see students show or verbalize self-doubt, I always take the time to work with them one-on-one to help reassure them of their skills and/or potential. When I have a whole class in this situation, I take extra time to create analogy examples that can relate directly to them, so they can see the topic in a different way. This takes more time on the instructor's part, but it is well worth it!
I have met plenty of students who were fully capable of completing the task before them successfully, yet they lacked the confidence to try. "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself". -FDR I often break the task into smaller bites. They are able to focus on accomplishing realistic goals this way.
One of my students is an older student. She is intimidated by the younger students' knowledge of technology. She is capable of completing the assignments but is so worried that she cannot keep up with the rest of the students. She walked outside of the room and started crying even though I told her she was coming along nicely in the class. She perceived herself as incapable of completing the work, even though she received a good grade. I worked with her one-on-one after class to help elevate her fears. She is now excited because she built up her confidence. Her questions are minimal and she is excited to show me what she completed.
I find that when students are considering course content that they have experienced difficulty in the past - they feel uncertain of their abilities and fear a "repeat performance". This negative self-fulfilling prophecy can become a demotivator and influence their behavior. I typically address this by breaking such concepts into smaller modules and provided ample opportunities for the students to gain small successes that build into the main course objectives. These successes build confidence and increase security thereby motivating students to 'take the next step'. Many of the most reluctant students finish such modules with claims that they finally understood- after years to not getting it!
No doubt one of the worst teaching methods I have seen is "This test is really difficult so you better study for it" Laying the foundation for self doubt is the worst thing you can do for any type of learner.
The courses I am involved with are set up this way and it dose pump them up. I do mention that there may be other tests coming up that are possibly tougher so keep at it.
students that have self doubt/ low confidence to dive in and get right to work. fear of failure and or embarresing them selvs infront of the rest of the students. what we the instructors need to do is make them secure even when making mistakes. to show them that life is a series of small failures that lead to a series of larger successes. we need to encourage students to take the chance with the knowlege they have learned from us. We need to help break through the self doubt inside the student so they may suceed.
When teaching in a career school, self doubt is evident in each student in the beginning. Each student will have doubts as to whether they will learn enough to be successful.
With each passing semester the students realize that they know more than they did the sememster before. Also, the time the students spend in the lab perfecting their skills helps them realize that this is very doable.
Delores, providing positive messages and leading by example is critical to many of our students. For some the only positive influence they may experience is within the walls of your classroom. The more you can get to know your students the more you will be able to appreciate the full influence you may have on their life. Dr. Joe Pace from The Pacific Institute teaches us that for every negative our students experience we need to counter with 11 positives. This goes to show how powerful negative energy can be in the lives of our students and why we need to work hard each and everyday to surround our students with as much positive energy as possible.
James Jackson
Charles, what an awesome compliment. You bring forward an even more important point with respect to impact. That student will have incredible things to say about their experience with you and your institution. Their comments could inspire others to begin their journey in earning a degree and with that you would not have only motivated one student but a multitude of individuals. You also improved the life of your student and their entire family unit. Instructors impact the lives of students and their families in so many ways it is hard at times to fully understand. Thanks for sharing and keep up the great work.
James Jackson
Self-Doubt I have notice in all of the students, but this one student really is self-doubt herself. This type of student I try to encourage them that don't second quests yourself. If you have done all homework, participate in classroom discussion and asked question you have done what is require. So, the way you feel about yourself will come out in your work. Believe in yourself that you can do it and it will get done if your try.
In many cases as we teach our students we never know how much of an impact we fwill have on these students. One example that I will ALWAYS remember is a student who came to me and stated that he was going to drop out of school because "I just don't get it". I asked him to elaborate and found that he just did not understand component application in the class he was taking. I took the time to go over all the components and the applications for each. At graduation he introduced me to his family as "the Instructor that gave him the confidence to continue". That is a VERY rewarding feeling and it is exactly why I continue to teach today. I may not ever get that kind of feedback again but I am confident that I make a difference everyday.
Vallene, what resources do you provide for any student that is not feeling comfortable by week 3? Thanks for anything you can share.
James Jackson
On the first day of class I provide opportunities for early success through group activities and individual discussions. In week 2 students work individually on exercises with some group work and by week 3 students are feeling successful and comfortable working alone.
Sandy, students gain confidence by being successful at past challenges. The more success they experience the more they are willing to reach beyond their comfort zones. Keep up the great work.
James Jackson
