For the most part being a student is much like life. if you aren't accepted in classes you will not but out the effort to succede at what you are learning. Same as life if you aren't accepted you will not try to accell. To me acceptance means that there is greater effort put forth which in turn means a greater success.
I believe that when a student feels as though they belong then they feel a. more comfortable getting involved and b. they feel valued which builds their confidence and also motivates them.
When a student feels accepted they also feel a sense of security in the classroom. They feel like they belong, and puts their mind at ease and enables them to focus on learning the material presented in class. If a student feels comfortable in the classroom, they are more likely to stay in college, therefore, keep retention numbers up.
Students that feel accepted in class feel they have support system to fall back on, it also helps them feel more welcomed in the class and comfortable to participate in class.
When you feel accepted it can give the your ego a booste,possibly to a person whom otherwise may have a low self esteem or never thought they would amount to anything because of a disfunctional past
I some what disagree with that statement. What is sucess if you dont feel your pears accept you or you dont fit in anywhere? However I do think its just as important for instuctors to know the person as an indiviual and not just a grade.
Its very important for students to feel accepted among their peers in the class room. When someone doesnt quite feel like they fit in it takes away their confidence and hinders the learningprocess. Many come into the learning environment this was already because of past experiences,so we need to set the tone that everyone is important and has something to offer.
I don't think it is so much as being accepted, I think it is more about does the instructor know my name with my face , hen he grade my test will he know who i am or just remeber where i normaly sit in class.
Hi Mitchell,
Well said. This is so important for instructors to be aware of and react to. They must work at making sure everyone is included in the course, even those that are not as outgoing or involved as other students.
Gary
Let me take an opposite tack on your question. If the student does not feel accepted, then he/she must, by definition, feel rejected, or at the very least NOT accepted. This may mean that he/she feels like an outsider, or outcast of some sort. The emotions that go with rejection are overwhelming, at least in my own personal experience. How can a student overcome this powerful emotion and reach potential in the classroom? The answer is that he/she cannot.
If this situation presents itself, the instructor must be the self-appointed leader of the group dynamic, and include everyone in the group, so that the focus is belonging to the instructor's group, not one of the peer groups.
If students don't feel accepted in a class they will not want to participate and will feel uneasy in the learning process. Students must feel comfortable with their instructors and their peers in order to share information with them, ask questions if needed and grow as students.
Feeling accepted allows the student to feel like they belong in the class as well as in the school. This contributes to a feeling of comfort and security in the classroom and in turn will allow the student to focus better on course material and then hopefully lead to success.
I think that feeling accepted is a source of motivation for the student. Since a feeling of acceptance can motivate, I think it gives the student much needed confidence in what is probably a foreign environment to them.
I think that if a student feels accepted he or she can related with other students opening their minds to understanding things from someone elses perspective.
Like being a part of any group, students need to feel safe and secure where they are. If they feel accepted, they will more likely feel secure in responding candidly to questions posed by the instructor and other students. They will more readily be willing to share some of the life experiences that give real-world relevance to the course objectives.
feeling accepted lessens the stress of fitting in and is one less thing to worry about while at school so more energy can be put into school work and learning.
Hi Gregory,
I remember that movie as well. At my college that model is still being used by some of the instructors. Which I think is sad, since these instructors are missing out on really enjoying teaching and interacting with students.
I agree with you about the need help students to develop their thinking and problem solving skills. These are the skills that are going to move them to the next level in their careers.
Gary
As a new instructor at times I struggle with some of the "baggage" of my past. I completed my undergraduate studies in 1981 and went on to study law, graduating in 1987. At that time, many of my instructors had seen the movie "Paper Chase" - a story about a crotchety old law school professor whose primary way of motivating students was through fear. The message being sent was "I am superior to you." Many of my instructors were enamored with this approach and used it regularly to beat up on students. While it is true I learned the material I was being taught (mostly through rote memorization), I did not learn how to think outside of the box until many years later. I did not want to appear unprepared or stupid. By being more open to what students think, and accepting that they have their own points of view and belief systems, I think learning occurs at a much higher level, because it encourages people to engage in active learning/problem solving, not just spitting up facts. I am trying to forget these old ways and learn (as an old guy) to teach the way I would have like to have been taught back then.
When students feel accepted and have a sense of belonging, they are more motivated to be in class. When attendance is high, then the learning increases.
Students need to feel they are a part of something postive. When student feel a part of a group they seem to succeed in school. It is strange how big the different is when the feeling of acceptance is present in a students life. Student that have accepted usually acheive in their careers.
