Hi James,
Good point about using student feedback as encouragement. Peer approval can be powerful is used the right way. Sounds like you have a very good system in place to allow your students to support each other in the learning process.
Gary
And there may be much to acceptance with someone who has struggled to just let them know how important they are to the class and to the learning process. Sometimes the time needed to re- emphasize information, perhaps in a different light, helps even the quickest learners. I often will encourage a student to consider how a certain belief in their abilities and even fears generated through their life experiences may be keeping them from fully grasping the material. How often in our lives has a belief or a comment made to us when we were young kept us from trying something or trying harder?
In addition, having that acceptance come from fellow students makes the support even more powerful. I guide students who interact with each other throughout the class time. I encourage students to complement each other's efforts, as well as suggest possibly better ways. How much did your co-student's positive feedback strengthen your esteem and beliefs? For me, it often meant more than the comments from my instructor.
I agree. Yet, when guiding creative endeavors, one needs to be cautious that the comments remain true to the highest level of artistry. Without lessening the energy of spontaneity, I will attempt to help the person(s) I am guiding by complementing the work or direction, and if needed, add constructive observations, often with a phrasing such as, " you may want to..." or with "another way to approach this is...". What is most important is that the person does not walk away feeling the effort was less than worthwhile.
I believe it is important for students to feel accepted in classes, because it helps them to relax and connect with others with similar goals. On the first day of class, I like to get each student to share career goals and important factors influencing the return to school, particularly to the adult learners who may have been away from formal schooling for a long time.
I think it is very important to your self-esteem to be acknowledged and accepted. In the creative field of graphics, it is common to feel the need for some kind of approval or affirmation for your efforts. That is to say that criticism isn't important also. But is has to be constructive. So, it is not just the acceptance of the student, but the student's work also.
I absolutely agree with this. Feeling accepted in the classroom setting facilitates learning because the student feels comfortable to share their ideas, comfortable to be wrong and to make mistakes. They can build from these experiences and get better as a student overall.
Being or feeling accepted by your instructor/and or co-students makes the enviornment of the classroom easier to relate to all the different individuals that surround you. You may not know the exact thing that brought them there, but you do have the same goal. That will bring students together no matter what the age or cultural background may be.
It depends on the type of skill and learning needed with that skill. The student may be more interested in individual accomplishments rather than group success, particularly if the career goals are directed to to self-employment. Helping a student understand a better way to accomplish a skill may be more beneficial than general praise. How often are you most encouraged when your guide presents to you the best way to achieve what you are attempting to master?
Acceptance may be the motivation to focus, ask the questions that assist in better understanding, enjoyment of the class dynamics, and feelings of accomplishment.
I think it goes back to our basic needs acceptance is one of those basic needs that have to be met before we can flourish
It is a basic need in Maslow's hierarchy of needs that all humans have of belonging and acceptance. Without having this fulfilled, a lot of energy is used on trying to satisfy this need rather than on those areas that contribute to an individual's success.
If students do not feel accepted, they will have a more difficult time reaching that comfort level where they are open to learning. I try to stress that both groups--traditional students and non-trads bring a different experience and a different strength to the table. I emphasize the importance of working together.
Students who feel accepted tend to open up and feel comfotable wich allows them to learn and retain info
A students feeling of acceptance is the key result of creating an environment of acceptance. The larger the class the more points of view to be reviewed. I feel as long as I respect every individuals point of view and give them a chance to relate their perspective; I am opening a door for them to communicate freely.
Honesty with each student is key to them making improvements. Once you have their trust, you have an opportunity to critique their work and not damage their self-esteem. When students want to attend your class and share there points of view with the other students they will be successful.
Students need to be able to relate with other students. For that student that feels he or she does not fit in with the croud he/she may feel isolated and start to question whether or not they are doing the right thing. We need constant positive feedback to tell us that we are making the right decisions. Being accepted by others provides a way for students to get that feedback and builds a stronger more confident student. In the work world having confidence in one-self is key and is a contributing factor to the success of an individual.
Most everyone wants to be associated with a community. Connections make memories. Memories solidify learning moments.
It is important for students to feel accepted in their class because it will help them feel more comfortable in a setting that may be intimidating to them.
It is important for students to feel accepted in classes because they need validation for their efforts. By feeling accepted they will begin to feel more comfortable in a setting that often is intimidating.
Hi Walter,
You are right on with your comments about students feeling overwhelmed at times as they progress through their courses. It is at these time they need someone to show them support and give them encouragement. This human touches will help to keep them engaged and progressing in their studies.
Gary
