Easing fears
This was an interesting module with lots of good suggestions for getting started. One thing that I have found, as a math teacher, is that I must confront "math anxiety" among my students on the first day of class. My class is Applied Math, and many of my students are coming back to class after many years or after another career. There is a great deal of fear about math in general and their ability to do well. I always tell a story from my undergrad days about a psychology professor I had who did an interesting and effective exercise in class to introduce us to the topic of fear and anxiety. I won't elaborate here but it always breaks the ice and gets them laughing, and leads us into a discussion of how to reduce anxiety, practice good study habits and strategies, alleviating test anxiety, etc.
Hi Migdalia,
That is the human side of teaching. This sends such a powerful message to the students. They know you are there for them if they will put forth the effort to be successful.
Gary
One thing that works for me is letting them know you are always available to help them in any way so they can feel they are getting the support they need, and it also shows that you are willing to do things that will help them succeed.
Hi Dawn,
Great way to get your students settled into the course and feeling comfortable about the fact that they can do math with effort and your support. Reducing their fear of math plus having a bit of fun through the ice breaker really sets the stage for a positive class.
Gary
