Cynthia,
They love to have these discussion because they help to make the course content come alive and have relevance.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
When my students hand in homework, papers, or tests I always write some positive comment on them. That way not singling people out in front of the class and allowing them to know that I know they have put some effort into it and it do get noticed.
Some of the ways I use in my classes are:
always give positive feedback when they participate in class - even if the student gives the wrong answer - I try to turn it into a positive.
as I get to know my students, I have them do a short presentation if the particular class is a subject they have life-experience with, i.e., in my English class, one student was asst. editor of a school newspaper, so she did a short speech on what editors look for in articles from students.
when a student asks a question and I don't know the answer, I ADMIT that I don't know and that together we will find the answer. That gives the students permission to not always know the answer and where to look for it.
when a student brings an article or information about a particular topic in a class, I acknowlege it with positive feedback as to how this helps clarify/reinforce what we discussed in class.
always striving to apply lessons to the students' current life-experiences also helps them to overcome their fear of coming back to school.
Being successful in college n one sense is easier than success in high school because (hopefully) you selected your college and can tailor your course of study to meet you needs. However college is also much more intensive and requires more discipline and outside work in order to acheive high marks. College is also a more immersive social situation, requiring more adult coping and socialization skills.
Discuss life experiences that relate with them.
Heather,
Yes, I do agree. For older students the fear of non-success can be a powerful motivator since they are current students as a result of some life experiences, such as no employment or needed career expansion. The younger students aren't as driven in terms of this type of motivation but once they get a taste of what life is really like they start to realize quickly that college is personal choice not an entitlement so it is up to them.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Gabriel,
Good suggestions. Early success is very important to build on bigger success later on in the course. Without early success they will be gone and we won't have the opportunity to help them grow in their learning development.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Robert,
All good strategies to follow to keep the students focused on the content and engaged in making application of their newly acquired knowledge.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Deborah,
Good way to provide support to your students. Knowing this assistance is available really helps the students to see that they can be successful in the class if they will put forth the effort.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I try to remind them of small successes within the course, such as a contribution of class participation, a good hand-on skill performance, or completion of homework (I shouldn't have to reward this but when no one else does the homework, I reward the person who does.)I try to allay their fear of failure by letting them know they have the tools they need to succeed. They just need to use them. I am more of a "nurturer" than a "tough love" teacher because the students have so many outside factors (poverty, no transporation, unsupportive family) that set them up to fail. However, with the young student group fresh out of high school, their excuses for late or missing assignments are repetitive. I struggle to balance setting them up to succeed and not being a push-over. Student fear of not being successful can be a motivating factor for them to work harder. Don't you think?
What are some ways you can help students to overcome their fear of not being successful in their college work?
Some of the ways we can help the students to overcome fear is to place them in groups; as you stated the adults enter an education program with high level of motivation to learn.
To help the student overcome fear is to encourage their efforts, tell them how well they achieve their task, and you are proud of them. Let them know by application (working with them…) that you are there to help them in their development and to be successful
Help them to be aware and prepared.
Ask questions often:to them and of them.
Practice group invovement activities and problem solving
I often offered assistance in organization and study skills. I also offer tutoring for one on one assistance, many times older students are afraid to ask questions infront of their peers who can ge 20 years younger.
One way to help the student overcome fear of college work is to relate whatever lesson you are working on to something they relate well to in everyday life. Also explaining in depth and letting them know exactly what is expected of them.
KJ,
Good point about how developing respect both ways, students and instructor. This creates a solid foundation for developing rapport with the students and the career growth that goes with it.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Juanita ,
What are strategies you use to help your students to see the value of what you are teaching and your dedication to your field?
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Instructor,
Students can overcome their fear of success in several ways. First, encourage them to get passionate about something. Then, I bring in experts in the field to encourage students.
Overall, respecting their differences and encouraging them with positive reinforcement is always the best way!
KJ
In order to be successful in college you have to be dedicated to your profession, and serious about your education
Ty,
Good point about the matter of success being a mind set. Many students come to the classroom already defeated so they need to be encouraged and supported in a way that will help them have success if they are willing to put forth the effort. This is what will keep them in school.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Validating when they do a job well done and encouraging them to move forward.
