Hector,
This is so important for students to know. Helps them feel that they can be successful in the course because their instructor cares about them.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Guerda,
Good strategy to use. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I will make them feel comfortable by showing them I will support and guide them throughout their studies.
Very good point, Daniel! Understanding that students have different learning styles id one of the most important factors in teaching!
You are right, Paul. I am constantly amazed at the number of students who come to my office hours just to chat about something that happened over the weekend. Sometimes it applies to what we are studying, but often times it doesn't; they just want someone to listen and show compassion.
Provide them with supportive and positive feedback in order to encourage them to be successful.
Allow adult learners to participate in groups and share their experiences.
Be aware of younger students' desire to fit in and manage classroom behavior in such a way that students feel included and supported.
Hearing personal experiences where others have overcome obstacles might be useful to students with fear issues. Try the “Can’t Lose System†– This technique is a way to combat your fear of failure. It works by listing your fears, exposing distorted thinking, and identifying ways to cope.
Kathaleen,
Thank you for sharing this example of why it is so important to set students at ease and get them comfortable in the course. Their fears need to be reduced and you are doing that by letting them share about themselves and their career goals.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I make a point of asking all new students to write an autobiography that they will present to me - this will include any educational or employment background. On the first day of class, returning students (we teach in a modular format) are asked to share a success tip with the new students. This way they hear from a fellow classmate various ways to be successful in the department. In orientation I stress to them that their first day is the hardest, their first exam is the hardest and the first week is the hardest. I also stress that they should always touch bases with me when they feel any confusion. Through out the first week I continually touch bases with them and ask how they are feeling - how are things working out. I like watching them bloom over the first few weeks. At the end of their first six week course I will often ask - well - how did it go? Most will tell me they were petrified the first week, but once they hit the swing of our department things smoothed out. They are suprised how quickly the first term flew by.
Jonathan,
Like your new word and I think it fits perfectly with what you are trying to do with your teaching. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Let them know that age or any disability is not a barrier andn that other students have gone before them with the same fears
I think by personalizing their education and including that I am an alumni of the school paired with my career experience makes me more approachable to my students. Allowing them a glance of my background almost always sparks curiosity and builds rapport between us.
I point out each success, especially if it is not as large or meaningful as the student might initially notice. I also spend a lot of time reiterating to the newer students that they cannot be held accountable for information that they have not yet learned. And that if the staff does not hold them accountable for this, that they should also go easy on themselves. So many people think that they are "perfectionists", but in my opinion, this is just a way to continue telling themselvfes that they do not measure up to an impossible standard. Each success, each positive step must be celebrated in a way that keeps the student looking for more gains. If they are allowed to wallow in fear, it will become paralyzing, and ultimately define their time in school. I feel I am an interventionist, ( yes I made up that word) someone who is there for the students to step between their own self destructive thought processes and show them what I can see from outside their view.
Shawn,
Students like real life examples. These examples help to make the course content more real to them.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I like to use past experiences and recent successes to help students gain confidence in what they are tying to accomplish by attending classes.
student needs to have the right mind set and ambition to be successful in his carrer
Daniel,
Passion about your field and knowledge that they have your support goes a long way in helping to engage students in the learning process.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Bob,
Success breeds success. They more they have it the more they will work for it. So by following your plan the students will get to enjoy success while moving toward their career goals.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
You can start by making sure that you convey to them your interest in their success both in the classroom and in the workforce. Encouragement when results are less than optimal as well as compliments for good efforts/results. Also, reinforcing to them their reason for being here.
Kimberlee,
You make a good point about resources and sharing them with the students. The more support they see as being available the more encouraged they become in terms of being successful.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
