No one likes rejection, so feeling accepted is understandable and helps to create a comfortable atmosphere.
If the student feels a sense of belonging, he or she will fit into the scheme of things. I believe acceptance enhances learning.
It is important for students to feel accepted because they are feeling vulnerable due to inexperience.Accepting them as they are and allowing them to know they are right where they need to be is tomforting to them and a positive way to approach them.
I think when a student feels accepted, and a sense of belonging, they are more likely to participate in the class and seem more motivated to participate.
Also, who wants to be somewhere that you don't feel accepted? I know I don't!!! :)
I know that my older students, especially, seem to take a lot longer to get comfortable with the classroom. They seem to always sit alone and not be as inclined to work with other students. I think the main reason is that they feel like the younger student might make them look or feel stupid.
I agree, that feeling accepted helps students succeed. By feeling accepted, they are more incline to participate in discussions, ask questions, and share their own experiences relevant to the content being discussed. In turn, they are more motivated to succeed because they feel their contributions matter.
It is very important for students to feel accepted. This will only motivate them to succeed and also help them feel more comfortable in the classroom.
Students need to feel accepted and appreciated in the classroom. I think one way of doing this is to encourage student involvement in class discussions, participation, etc. Also, instructors need to make sure that their contributions matter and should praise students when they are performing well in the class.
I think students are more confident and less fearful if they feel accepted.
It is important for students to feel accepted in class because it contributes to keeping them motivated to learn new things. Students want to feel like they can contribute by providing their own knowledge and experience related to the content being discussed.
To never point any specific student out
If the student feel accepted, it puts them at ease and they feel comfortable. This makes it easier for them to learn, express their opinions on various subject matter, and bring in any life experiences that may apply. And for me as the instructor, it makes it easier for me to teach and have a relaxed classroom environment that not only will benefit the student but me as well, which will make me a better instructor.
As the student becomes more relaxed, the material will be easier for them to retain and learn. Once this cycle begins, the student begins to see a realization of their objectives and goals for coming to or returning to school.
Hi Delia,
This is very true. Acceptance and feeling comfortable in the class setting is important for students. They need to feel they have support and that they can be successful if they will put forth the effort.
Gary
I agree Kelley. I have found students are more likely to engage if they don't feel threatened. How I approach students in the initial class is through ice breakers. These ice breakers are designed to get feedback from all students in attendance. I'll begin by asking specific questions such as what their major is, why they decided to pursue their degree, etc. The open ended questions encourage them to elaborate. In addition, I will mention and reiterate that there is no such thing as a stupid question, while citing personal examples of how asking questions can actually aid in class success.
I think every person at some point has the need to feel like they belong; that they are accepted in the class or part of a group. I think it helps their self confidence and motivates them to do good and be successful so others can see and approve.
There are a number of factors which contribute to making students feel accepted in classes. Once such factor is positive reinforcement from the instructor. This provides an arena in which it is acceptable for the student to make a mistake.
Another such factor is peer respect. Although this is more difficult to regulate it is one of the many tasks put to the instructor.
This sort of nurturing environment allows students to grow at their own pace without the added anxiety of fear of failure.
Everyone wants to feel accepted. If it's school, church,work.
acceptance in class motivates the student to feel free to ask questions and particpate in discussions.
I think that the most important reason for students to feel accepted is that it takes the social stresses off a classroom situation. If they feel accepted as part of the group, they will be more likely to interact in the classroom, and become a contributing member of the whole. Without the external social stress, the student can focus more on the material at hand.
Hi David,
This is a good point. The social/emotional aspects of being in class are very important to the retention of students. They need to see themselves in the class and that the class is helping them to make progress toward their career goals. If these items are in place then the student satisfaction level will be much higher.
Gary
Simply feeling accepted helps by giving a comfort level so the student can learn and interact without the worries of ridicule for wrong answers.
