Students can feel overwhelmed and struggle to understand what is required of them. This may be the first time they are in a less structured environment and are required to manage their time and deal with challenging assignments. To gain a feeling of acceptance among their peers and with the instructor will give them the support they need to not feel alone and lost. They will better be able to reach out for help and to give help.
I think everyone no matter what the age wants to be accepted. By feeling accepted it relieves a lot of tension, anxiety, and stress. Once acceptance is felt they are then able to focus more on the course material and reach their potential. By giving support, feedback, respect, and being present for questions can help them feel accepted.
Every Student wants to feel accepted in every class. This is the first step to a healthy ego and towards academic success.
It is especially challenging and necessary for instructors to encourage students who have a record of being under achievers and a low self esteem. Pin pointing their talents and positive life experiences, and bringing them up in class (as it's relevant to the topic at hand) can be a real boost for struggling students.
When students feel respected and accepted, they are more confident to complete their courses. In addition, they are more able to address challenges as they come.
Ultimately, feeling part of a group is important to all of us. As instructors, for example, it is also important to feel part of a community. This makes doing our job what it is supposed to be -- fun!
Hi Jeanette,
This is so important. Most instructors know this but sometimes in the haste to prepare and teach they forget to practice it. By making students feel accepted and comfortable they can keep the students engaged and this leads to higher retention and completion.
Gary
Students need to feel accepted in their classes in order to believe that the learning environment is a safe place to share and explore ideas, as well as to ask questions. It is critical that instructors establish a welcoming and respectful tone in the classroom so all students feel encouraged to participate and to learn. Instructors must also model this behavior by treating all students with consistent respect for age, cultural, and learning diversity.
Hi Ron,
This is very true. Students need to be held accountable for their absences so that they don't make a habit of missing because they know they will be given the information once they return. On the other hand life has a way of disrupting the lives of students so they can't help being absent to deal with family situations, illness, etc. so knowing they will receive individual support to catch them us is of great value to them.
Gary
I see that when a new student misses a couple days in a row....they come back lost and confused. I go out of my way to meet with them after class to come up with a plan to get them back on board. If I don't initiate that connection, they usually stay lost and loose interest.
Hi Chasidy,
This is so true. Students need to feel valued for what they bring to the class and the contributions they can make. When they don't feel such they start to withdraw within in the class and soon they withdraw period.
Gary
If students don't feel accepted they are likely not to participate or learn any of the material. They tend to 'shut down' and fail to see the value of the class or course materials. When students feel like a valuable contributor to the class they gain the confidence to take risks for the things they are learning.
Hi Laura,
Thank you for sharing this example of how a student can be helped in an online situation. Due to your connecting with and support of her efforts she is still a student in the course. It would have been easy for her to just fade away but you kept her engaged and the result is her success. Way to go!
Gary
As a new online instructor, it didn't surprise me how easily an online student can feel alienated compared to someone in a physical classroom. Written correspondence (emails, discussion board comments) can so easily be misinterpreted. Within the first few days of my class, I had a student posting to the group how unprepared she was for her career. She wrote that based on the comments of others, she was in the "wrong place" and didn't deserve to be a part of that group.
I had to wonder if she might have felt differently, had we been in a room together where she could have seen accepting, friendly faces. On the other hand, if it were a tradiational classroom, she may never have said anything about her feelings at all. At least this way, I had an opportunity to intervene and speak with her directly about her feelings. She is still in the course and is doing exceptionally well!
Betsy, I was about to post a very similar reply and then I saw your comments. I just started teaching online 3 months ago and am finding the need to be very intentional about how I communicate with students.
I do something similar to validate students in my emails and phone conversations (though most of our contact is by email). I have a discussion board that comes with a weekly participation requirement, like many online instructors. One thing I try to do is make sure to acknowledge each student in the class at least once during the week. That way, even if he or she is not in touch with me about a specific matter, he/she knows I am out there, listening. I also try to give them credit in front of the class via the discussion board - like reposting something they said at the top of the board, and commenting on their savvy.
It has been a challenge to find new ways of showing acceptance in an online setting, but it's good to know there are others out there doing the same work.
I teach online classes, and feeling accepted has a whole new meaning in these classes. I find that my communication with students via emails and comments on assignments can go a long way toward making them feel accepted.
For example, when a student emails with a question, I begin my response by saying, "Thank you for asking for clarification." I think it's important for them to feel comfortable asking questions. Also, I end many of my emails with this statement, "As always, send me an email with any questions you might have."
Another way to get students to feel they are accepted in an online class is to send out an email that addresses a common issue within the class. For example, I teach keyboarding, and students are challenged with getting their assignments uploaded to the website. If all is not done correctly, the upload won't go through. I send out an email acknowledging that the uploads can be a bit tricky and provide some helpful tips in the email. Again, I end with the statement that encourages their questions.
Betsy Ray
yes i think so if people like you and except you you aas you are then the class goes easier and they learn easier. exceptance means a lot from students and you want have a lot of controversy in class and the deans office
Hi Victoria,
This is so true. Feeling a part of the class and confident to ask questions is important for students. They know that they will be respected and responded to based upon their individual needs.
Gary
This can help them to feel secure, the will keep them motivated to continue studying, doing all the assignments, feel comfortable in the classroom.
It is important as an instructor to maintain a respectful environment in class, as an example: I always tell the students that it is important that they keep asking when they don't understand some concept or diagram, sometimes they don't want to ask in front of others because they feel shame.
Catherine,
I also use small groups as a way to encourage the shy or quiet student. In fact, I've had several students thank me for providing this opportunity. I really like it when they recognize that this is an area where they can really shine!
Have you ever put together groups where all the shy people are together? I like to mix it up and see what happens!
Beth
If students don't feel accepted by their classmates and teachers, they tend to withdraw from interactions in the class. They come to class, sit for the required time, and beat out a path to the door. If they are included and feel a part of the class, they are much more likely to participate in discussions and share their own experiences.
