Being Successful in College
What are some ways you can help students to overcome their fear of not being successful in their college work?
Some of the ways that I help students to feel successful is to start off each class with a minimal assignment or a 'not so difficult' test in which the student who wants to succeed will be prepared and succeed. I let them know that this was meant to be a 'boost' to their achievements that are to come. I additionally remind them that those who prepared for this project did well, and doing so in the future will most likely produce the same results. Another tactic I use is to make every attempt to prepare them for assessments. I review with them, I distribute study guides, and make they know well in advance of the test day. I also identify what each lesson and assessment is preparing them for. I think they need to know what the relevancy of each lesson is, and how it factors into their future career.
At the beginning of the course I like to ease the students fears of failure by giving a pre quiz. I record the grade and count is as part of their grade but I make the content fairly easy. This helps boost their confidence and gives them a good feeling for the course. In doing this they realize that they can succeed in the class.
I set up my class so there is a chance to have some minor "victories" in the beginning of the mod. Confidence breeds more confidence.
Giving timely feedback to adult learners helps to calm their fears as they "know where they stand" in the class. Reinforcing the need to be patient with themselves as this information is new and may take time to learn. Be available for questions and give honest answers that can be realated to real life situations.
Courtney,
Support like this is so important for student success. They need to be able to focus on being successful while continuing to acquired the needed content and skills. By knowing you are there to help them be successful you set a positive environment for everyone.
Gary
Most students that actually fear not being successful in college are willing to put in the time and energy to apply themselves. I help students feel at ease about being successful by letting them know that hard work pays off, and that if they are willing to put in the work, the results will come naturally.
Eileen,
They do like that personal touch, don't they? The more we can connect with them the greater the development of rapport is going to be and this makes teaching so much more enjoyable for everyone.
Gary
There are many ways that an instructor may help students overcome their fear of failing. First create an environment which encourages the students to ask questions. I tell my students, "The only stupid question in my class is the one that they didn't ask!" When a student has a question in my math class, I generally ask them to identify the last step which they understood then I can determine why or where they got lost. Secondly, set up a system that utilizes various means of evaluations, include; homework, tests, portfolios, group assignments, participation, projects, ets. Most importantly let the students know what you expect from them and what they can expect from you. "No gotcha's"
Deon,
Good way to provide options for learning to every sector of your class.
Gary
Just asking a student how they are doing does wonders. I try my best to say hello, smile and ask them questions on how I can help them. I give suggestions such as notecards for studying or even buringin a CD for studying in the car while listening on the way to work or on the bus if they have an mp3 player. Giving suggestions and asking questions may go along way if a student knows you are sincere abiut their learning.
Let them know that every age group/gender/whatever has its strengths and weaknesses and we will use all of that - plus the support from others - to get through this together and change their lives in the process.
Yolanda,
Great way to set the student at ease and show them how they can be successful in the course. If they want to keep the A all they have to do are the things you lay out for them. This sets a very positive tone for the class to come.
Gary
Hello All,
On the first day of class, I tell every student that they have an "A" in class, and that it is up to them to keep that "A." I also share stories about myself when I was in college for the first time, and how terrified I was, and what I did to be successful in college. I encourage them to get a study buddy in class. In the first few weeks of class, I do a lot of in class activites, which require all to participate. I then change to group activities, which allows everyone to get to know one another, and feel more comfortable about opening up, and sharing their responses with their assigned group, each group has a group leader that is required to deliver to the entire class their group responses. Each group has different students in the class every week, so that there will be different speakers each week. These activities allow them to feel more confident about their work, and will allow them to discuss and collaborate their answers, and it makes learning interesting as well as fun. I also have one day set for a "study day." This allows them to work on any projects or assignments, and I am there for guidance, and any questions they may have during this class period.
Letting your students know that you have an open door policy and that you are available to tutor anyone that needs it makes a student less fearful.
Encourage them and praise when appropriate. Offer additional assistance in form of tutoring or being available for one on one help.
I found that the little things go the furthest. Something as simple as circling a great point the student made in their homework assignment and writing "excellent point" and doing this throughout the course. Instead of just writing "good" or just the letter grade, that little bit extra really boosted the confidence of my adult learners. That confidence manifested into a whole new outlook by the end of the semster, it was really something to see.
Geri,
Humans beings no matter their age like to be recognized for doing good things and being successful. You are doing a good job of reinforcing your students through your methods. These efforts will keep the students engaged and moving forward in the course.
Gary
I also reward my students with small gifts or put stars on their papers and tests. Students, even adult students, seem to love stars. I usually get glitter stars. I also had out cards filled out saying that they have successfully mastered the topic. They love to collect them. Or sometimes, I copy the first page of their test with their passing score on it.
I also meet with my students on a weekly basis to give them feedback on how they are doing and to discuss any concerns they may have about what we are studying or perhaps to give them extra work to make sure they feel comfortable on the topic. I also have an open-door policy, that any student at any time can contact me if they are having a problem or concern about something. I have even tutored outside of the classroom on an individual basis.
