I use plenty of ice breakers, and am constantly using real life situations of current events in the classroom.
However, I think it's easier for me since I teach a Communications course...and when someone that is newsworthy comes up, my first question to my group is, "How would YOU have handled the situation". Then it starts the conversation into conflict resolution and then I transition into the lecture material.
My group has caught on that I do this..and just not having a conversation with them, which means my lectures are more of a conversation with them.
I feel this helps with their fear of not being successful.
Paul,
Thank you for sharing your story of how you came back to school and was able to adjust to being a student once again. Examples like this are what our students need to hear about so they will see that their instructors understand what they are going through and the instructors are there to support them if they are willing to put forth the needed effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I can attest to the fears you are talking about. They are definitely real for adults returning to an educational environment after many years. I think your approach to teaching would put a returning student at ease. I know returning back to college classes after a twenty year break I was concerned with study habits and test taking. I found that providing myself with a distraction free environment for studying was key. Once I developed my study habits the test taking took care of itself.
Jacqueline,
This way you are helping them to see the value of what is being asked of them and then supporting them in how they can complete the requirements. This helps to keep the students engaged and moving forward in the course and reduces their anxiety about what they need to do.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
You can put a student at ease just by giving thema way to complete their homework or studying for a test. Stressing to them the importance of their success will ensure they understand this process.
Jacqueline Coleman
Robert,
This is such a great service you are doing for your adult learners. They need this type of information so they can see that they can be successful in the course if they are willing to put forth the effort. Many of them as you know are very worried about the fact they have been out of school for a period of time and that they won't be able to compete with the younger students. Your approach helps them to see that they are going to do well in the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have found that the best way to overcome the adult students’ fear of not being successful in college is to set the stage on the first day. As I start my first day of class, I take the students systematically through the course, explaining the general flow of the course, key assignments, and required readings. Additionally, I clearly state the desired outcomes and objectives and give clear examples how the course material links not only to their degree path but more importantly to their desired career. Finally, I walk the student through the grading rubrics and give examples of what it takes to be successful in the course. By setting the stage at the beginning, I can answer any questions that are driven by student fears and hopefully place those fears to rest.
Ebony,
Learning is a sharing and listening effort so the more of both you can help your students participate in the better. The results will be increased participation and engagement on the part of the students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I allow my students to work in groups and participate in group discussions. By doing this, it builds their confidence and comradery . Students learn from each other as well. I also review quiz questions with them to help prepare them for their chapter tests.
MICHAEL,
Students like to have ongoing reinforcement to occur. We need to keep this in mind as we interact with the students and share our knowledge with them and they with us.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
By giving students encouragement. Telling a student that they did a good job or by giving them a different perspective if they missed the assignment
SUSAN,
Knowing they have a caring instructor as their learning leader goes a long way in helping students to get settled into a course. Then if they can have success early in the course this builds their self confidence and this gives them even more motivation to become a part of and successfully complete the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Some of the ways I can help my students overcome their fear of not being successful in their college work include involve listening to them and providing them with the resources they need to achieve. The first step would be to acknowledge their fear and ensure them it is okay to have this fear. The next step would be to ensure them this is a fear that can be overcome and that I will be there to help them overcome it. Next I would assist the student in exploring why she or he is having this fear so it can be address in a manner that is most helpful. Once all of this is addressed and explored, the next step would be to formulate a plan the student can use to achieve their goals. It is my opinion having a plan helps people achieve their goals.
Henry,
Yes it does. This is the human factor in teaching. They need to see that we value them as human beings and we are there to support their success if they are willing to put forth the needed effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Personal interaction goes a long way -
acknowledging and normalizing their fears
connecting them with their peers
BRIAN,
A comfortable and supportive environment where the instructor is recognized as the learning leader but the students feel they can participate and contribute with ease goes a long way in setting up a positive learning experience for everyone.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I too like to have a relaxed almost fun classroom environment.I think if the students are ejoying their class they will do better with testing.As well as the instuctor being aprochable with questions.
Jason,
This is important for all students but especially those older students that have been out of school for a while. They have as you know a lot of fear about being able to be successful in their studies. The more encouragement you can offer them the easier it will be for them to develop self confidence.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Asses the fear/issue, present them with positive examples and encouragement to show the student how easy it may be to overcome that fear
Leslie,
I really like your understanding and approach. By you putting forth the extra effort to understand your students you are providing them with support and setting them at ease. This way they can focus on being successful and hopefully not become overwhelmed with being back in school. Nothing like some early success in a course to get them fired up and feeling like they are glad to be in school. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
