HAROLD,
This is a good point because many students come to school without adequate reading skills as well as deficient study skills. Helping them to learn how to learn will be a great service as these skill sets will transfer to other classes.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
To overcome their fear of not being successful in college work,students should not think about success or failure when they enroll. They should think about developing good study habits. Their motivstion and devotion to their studies is of the utmost importance. In doing these things, their fear of not being successful in their college work will be allayed.
At the beginning of a course, I like to explain to my students that my primary duties, as an instructor, are to instruct and evaluate. I also point out that, at a minimum, they are graded on a scale of what is accepted in the workplace. So, by passing the course, they should be confident knowing they have the skills to compete in the "real" world.
Some ways to help students overcome their fear of not being successful is to set clear and concise objectives and goals right from the beginning of the course. On day one if the expectations are set and you are available professionally and intellectually for your students they will feel more at ease and know what to expect from the course. If the students feel you are supportive to their needs I believe they will gain confidence and lose some of the fear.
Steven,
Feedback and support of this type really helps to increase the motivation level of students. They need to see that they can be successful if they are willing to put forth the effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
What I try to do is consistantly give them feedback while they are doing a hands on task. It could be during the task or after they complete it. I believe that half the battle with older students is their confidence. Once they feel more confident they begin to do better and it will show in everything they try.
Ana,
It is always good for students to know their instructor once sat where they are now. We all got to be where we are by being students and struggling with going to school, families, and life just as they are.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I remind my students that I too was in their shoes and that it may not always be easy. As long as they are persistent and work hard they will be able to accomplish their college goals. I also make myself available for them as a resource person.
Todd,
You are right about the need to provide opportunities for success early in the course for adult learners. With early success they start to build confidence that they in fact can pass the course and continue on their career path.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Some of the adult learners that I encounter who fear success is because they have been out of school for a long time. Focusing on the things they learn and reinforcing that they have learned something new helps them to build confidence throughout the program
Kit,
Good strategy. Quick success is a great confidence builder. It is amazing to watch the growth of students throughout a course once they feel that they in fact can be successful.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The way I help some of my students overcome the fear, is helping them set a short term goal. This way they can have a reachable stepping stone to build on.
easy if you have done it your self share your experiences
Judy,
Good point and one that we need to keep fresh in our minds as we approach the classroom or lab. We need to support and encourage to they will put forth the effort to be successful.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Students need to know instructors are there to assist in their learning so that they may be successful in college and career. Encouraging and motivating students gives them that drive to continue to want to learn more. Giving them positive and constructive feedback over negative is such a rewarding outcome.
Terry Marie,
Learners like variety and change of pace. The more you can integrate these two items into your instructional delivery the more successful you will be. You make a very good point concerning how this can be done.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think one way to provide reassurance is to make sure you understand your students and provide continuous support. If they dont undrstand try to bring the material in a way for them to understand. For example, try diagrams, life stories, illustrations, etc. I have learned that adults like life stories because they can get a sense or feel of what it will be like in the field.
Donna,
You are doing a good job of providing student support. This support is valuable to them as they move through their classes and hit challenging topics that require some additional input from their instructor.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Have students discuss when they have been successful at something. Build on the success in class discussion. Have students write about their future in new career. They are visualizing success.
I feel that the more you encourage them and the more you touch base with them to see how their feel their progress is coming along, the better off the student is. I also encourage my students to contact me through my school email account at any time, even the weekends and I will respond. I never want them to feel as if they cannot reach me for questions regarding school work.
