Inspiring Confidence in Underachieving Students
I teach a developmental level (sometimes called
Learning Support or Pre-Curriculum) English
couse that students who test poorly on
admissions assessments are placed into for
remedial review. Often these students are down
on themselves and feel that they are incapable of
doing college credit work. I try to get these
students to see that there are many reasons for
their need for review:
* Many have been out of school for many years.
* Some have test-taking anxiety or poor test-taking skills.
* Some did not get a good background in middle
school and high school.
* Some just simply did not feel well when they
took the test.
I feel great sympathy for these students, yet I
have a desire to challenge them. Any suggestions
or relevant examples would be appreciated.
Hi Donna,
You are right! For some students it simply takes longer, but once it has been accomplished they begin to believe in themselves.
Patricia
I use this method as well. I also let them know that I will help them every step of the way. Some students may write an essay once or twice, but other students may write an essay three or four times. By the end, every student will have written an A essay - perhaps for the first time ever. Once they know they can do it once, it gives them the motivation to keep trying so that they can do it every time.
Donna Vance
Hi Paula,
Great advice given to your students. Students do need to learn that things are not going to happen over night. It takes time to learn certain skills. I teach typing, and I tell my students each additional word is progress toward their overall goal. Taking small steps will help you reach the big goal.
Patricia
I teach students that are learning a skill that takes a lot of repetitive practice to master well enough to pass a rigorous state exam. I find that today's students, being raised in a very fast-moving technologically advanced society, expect many things to happen quickly, as in "NOW." They are not used to having to patiently practice and re-practice a skill over and over, so they have a hard time being patient. I emphasize to them how important it is to realize that each small incremental step forward is something to celebrate.
I point out that what they are trying to learn demands patience, persistence, and determination daily, and that it is inevitable that they will progress if they are patient and focused about the process it takes to get there. I also remind them that if they could perform the tasks they are learning in this class 100% correctly, then they wouldn't need to be in my class; they would be in the next level up. I encourage them to view mistakes as doors that lead to success, once those mistakes are analyzed and eliminated through more practice.
Our students have a professionalism grade....How they carry thremselves, language used, imiage and attitude among others go into this grade...after a student has used can't, won't, unable, not good enough, any self defeating language more than twice they lose value points from the professionalism grade.....they cannot use the language in their professional career so start learning now!!!!1
Hi Christine,
I fully understand. Sometimes students can show/say something that makes it click with the student that is having difficulty. This is a smart strategy.
Patricia
I teach cosmetology and I will not allow the, "I can't" in the clinic. It is very negative and sends a negative feeling to clients who are sometimes apprehensive about students doing their hair or nails to start with. I also team up students. If a student is having a hard time doing a specific haircut or color I will team them up with a student that is very capable doing the cut or color. The language may be better understood then if it comes from me. Student teaching student.
Hi Cicely,
What a great comparison. This will definitely give the students something to think about. I've known instructors to give each student a rubber band and anytime a student gets caught being negative, the catcher gets to pull the negative student's rubber band and the negative student is popped from this action.
Patricia
Some of my students speak negatively also. I remind them that their children are not allowed to be negative about their achievements(or lack of) and they should carry that same feeling of positiveness for themselves that they expect from their children. Ex:If they heard their son/daughter putting down themselves, they would probably fuss at them and give them a positive pep talk.
I understand. I will call out the highest grades on the test to encourage them. I will also put smiley faces on "A" papers. I had a student who failed every test except the last one. I called her at home to tell her how well she had done on the last test. She was very happy to receive my call. I compliment those students that show improvements on test scores.
You are right, even thought I am an instructor's assistant. I hear students with their negativity all the time things did not go the way they expect it and they want to give up. I always remind them that they should not focus on what they did wrong instead focus on what they can do to fix it. If their is nothing to do learn from it and move on.
I tell them that the only way they will get better at something is by practicing and always giving the best of them.
Hi Kathy,
You are right! Negativity is definitely contagious. Students need to surround themselves with positive student and around someone who can help them. I've told some students to be mindful of the company they keep.
Patricia
The influence of being positive in one's mindset has so many benefits in a variety of applications. I encourage my students to avoid associating with others who have a negative point of view so that negative seeds of thought about their abilities won't sprout and bloom. Additionally, the other person's motives may not be evident. They may be trying to interfere with my student's progress just because they are not performing well, and they want to hinder someone else's success. Besides, we all make mistakes. I teach a "foreign language" that also requires a manual skill (court reporting). A reminder to them that even though I have spoken English for decades, I still misspeak or mispronounce words occasionally, so they should not be too hard on themselves if they make an error in the application of their skills.
Hi Sor Angel,
I have utilized this method as well. It has proven to be very effective. It is a very positive and motivating strategy.
Patricia
A simple method that I have used for years and that has worked every time is starting my students out with an "A" and deducting points instead of adding them. Their job is to keep that "A." In many instances that A is the first "A" the student has ever received. The students are motivated and works diligently to keep the “A.†Try it you will see a dramatic change in unmotivated students.
Many of my students have a habit of speaking in the negative, "I can't", "I don't", "I have never been able." I encourage students throughout the course to speak to themselves, and others, in the positive - use positive words. This seems to help them.
Hi Donna,
You gave very valid reasons. I will add that you can also encourage these students by letting them know that they can do well. Just because they are not good in English does not mean they are bad in every subject area. We all are good at something. I feel your smypathy and empathy for these students.
Patricia
