fear
fear is a very good topic on adult students. I have experienced this in the classroom and directing the student on their real life experiences and applying it to the learning process helps out tremendously
Fear of course is a normal emotion and I totally agree with the above responses. What I try to do is find the underlying truth in why we fear or why we are afraid. Fear tells us something valuable in a way similar to anger and if we learn to read our emotions properly, we begin to take control our pathway towards success.
LARRY,
This is why we need to help them have success early in the class and to know that we are there to provide support them if they are willing to put forth the needed effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Fear and apprehension is a normal reaction,students who have a real concern about doing well in class,care about their efforts and outcomes.
Vickie,
Helping students to develop self confidence to the point that they realize that they can and will be successful in the course is very important. You are helping them to see themselves as professionals in their field and this vision is what will help drive them forward in the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I always encourage my student on fear. So many student have fear of their on confident level. I let them know if you give in to fear or lack confident, you more and likely to be an unsuccessful individual. My definition for fear is FALSE EVIDENCE APPEARING REAL.
I agree. I see this with my adult students and I find that constant encouragement is important as well as keeping them informed on their progress.
Gilbert,
These students can be a challenge but I always appreciate the growth I see in them. With some success they start to build some self confidence and then they realize that in fact they can be successful and they really take off in their learning.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree with this. I have a student who is 52 years old. She is very fearful that she will not succeed, so I have to provide constant encouragement that she can and will make it if she works hard, attends tutoring, reads ahead, joins a study group, etc.
Lillian,
This is a common experience for adult learners. Once they get over their fear of failure and start to enjoy some success they really get a jump on their confidence develop. From there learning really takes off and student satisfaction start to grow.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Yes, adult learner fear is normal. I have found that constant motivation, peer support, and feedback does help. Usually by mid-term, the learner has a solid idea that he/she will Not fail the course and can focus more on enjoying learning and participating. Most of them are willing to stay after class, ask questions and come to tutoring.
It is normal to have fear but if an adult learner is overwhelmed with fear then he/she will not succeed. Just like other learners, adult learners need a lot of support, encouragement, and feedback too.
Namisha,
I encounter this a lot with my older students. They have a lot of fear in relation to being successful in the classroom. Once they have had some success it isn't long before their confidence really takes off.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
