Reducing Anxiety
Many times, I have had students come to me and express their fears about their ability to complete the course successfully. I try to let them know, that even though they are expected to perform, the classroom is safe. I tell them that many other people have completed the course successfully, and the odds are their favor, if they apply themselves.
I'm just wondering what other instructors do to reduce their students' anxiety.
Offering feedback is very important for students. As an instructor , one must remember to give as much information to the student as possible. Many times this will reduce stress and anxiety. Offering words of encouragement can be a helpful tool as well.
Hi Tamara,
Sharing your own experiences as a college student is a good way to show that you know where they are coming from and that you were able to be successful as a student while carrying on the duties of life. Often they think they are the only ones that have had to struggle to get through school. We are all former students so we know what they are going through.
Gary
I am always sharing my experiences when I was in college. I agree I think it shows the students that they aren't the only ones doing the things that I am having them do, I did all of the same things when I was in college and went through all the same time consuming tasks that they are now. I also share my experiences that I had while working in the field as well, that what they are doing in class really does happen and will when they are working in a clinic.
I appreciate the many varied techniques and approaches respondants have shared and plan on trying a few of them. I have also found it useful to share my own experiences as a college student both in my undergraduate and graduate work to "humanize" the experience. I think it helps them see that if I went through, feeling much as they have, and succeeded, that they can, too.
Hi Bridget,
You have a great strategy for keeping your students pumped up and excited about their classes. I really like the way you walk them through their concerns, share the FEAR acronym and then give them the recipe for success. This is what a mentor, coach, facilitator type of instructor does.
Gary
Anxiety is quite common in the classroom forum. It is important to let students know that no one entered in the world knowing everything. Also, adults "like to know". We feel awkward and uncomfortable when we have to ask questions. We tend to feel vunerable.
I share personal examples of times when I have been overwhelmed by school assignments and how I overcame successfully. I let them know they have the ability to overcome just like I did. We dialogue an put togethr a "receipe to win", that is custom fit for their personality and learning style.
I also include that the acronym F.E.A.R. stands for false evidence appearing real. We tend to make assumptions about the unknown. However, once we become familiar and intimate with what was once unknown, we gain power. Power exudes strenth and strength exudes confidence.
With constant encouragement, students are empowered and they succeed. We monitor and measure their success, and I provide constant feedback.
Anxiety is very common in the classroom, they fear they are nopt cut out for this kind of pressure. I try to let me students know I am always her efor them, whenever they need me.
I also have open lab session that I encourage the student to participate in I want them to know that it an opportunity for one on one assistance.
That is great advice! Sounds like you have some sound stress management techniques. It's important because stress makes it impossible for people to concentrate and impairs their performance. Great ideas!
I have found it helpful to remind students periodically just how far they have come by pointing out what they know and can accomplish now, as opposed to say (2) months ago.
Students always seem to respond favorably to that.
The result is that anxiety is reduced and the students are motivated to continue on.
Listing or discussing CONCRETE fears is also helpful. By helping the student to identify EXACTLY what he/she is fearful about and then dismantling those fears is very helpful. Your technique of imagining the event 15 minutes after it has happened is also a good technique. I use this with students who are nervous about speaking in class. We walk through the prep, walking up to the podium, giving their presentation, the Q&A period, and finally taking their seat to the classroom applause. I have found that some students actually look forward to their presentations after we work through their fears!
I give my email to students first day & make them feel comfortable with me and show them I am accessible. They do contact me regularly.
that sounds like helpful information
Fears and anxiety are a normal expereince in our courses. I think it is important for us as instrutors to listen to our students and provide course information in a clearn and concise manner.
Michael, I find that many students' anxiety level is reduced when they find that they are able to complete a task or homework assignment on their own. I offer suggestions on different ways to work with the material including the use of study groups. I provide games where the students compete as teams so that students are assessed in a way that does not have the "fear" of a grade attached.
Hi Scott,
Great way to reduce text anxiety for your students. By providing the study guide you are giving them some additional support when they need it. They see you as being a helper, thus they value the guide you share with them.
Gary
I have had a number of students with test anxiety. What I have found helpful is to provide the class with a study guide prior to the test. If I write the study guide appropriately, it doesn't "give away" any answers; but it focuses the students' preparation for the test. Students with test anxiety seem to find the study guides helpful.
I try to keep the lines of communication open. Make the students feel they can come to me to express their concerns and issues. I encourage open communication so the students feel comfortable and I also know what and how students are doing. Sometimes the test grades and assignments are not enough. You need to hear from them
I believe in giving positive reinforcement through group exercises to build their confidence.
