I feel self-doubt can hold a student back and may even cause them to want to drop the class.Instuctors should get to know their students and be aware of those that need to be motivated. If the instructor motivated, the class will be also.
Self experience allows students to lose some doubt when they realize that you can relate.
With careful positive feedback and demonstrations, I was able to have students start believing in their decision making of what adjustments to make when during frontend alignment for ATV’s. It became interesting to watch them correct themselves and have confidence in their decisions and then request for Instructor verfication without a second thought.
Paul, was this a single conversation that seems to do the trick or was this a process over time that needed repetition? Thanks for anything you can share.
James Jackson
Angela, well stated. For many students the fear of making a mistake can get in their way of the learning process.
James Jackson
James, excellent technique. Best to guide the student versus taking short cuts and just giving them the answers.
James Jackson
Jeffrey, great post. For some students the fear of making a mistake can be a barrier to learning. Thanks for sharing.
James Jackson
Pietro, how might this technique be used by a math instructor? Is the technique portable to other subject matters or specific to cooking classes? Thanks for anything you can share.
James Jackson
When working with the adult student it has become part of my presentation to let the students know that I have learned as some of them thru "the school of hard knocks". I would let them know at times I thought about giving into temptation to quit and start something else, and when that happened I would think about the sucesses that have been afforded for my perseverance. The stories that I relate to them put them at ease and sometimes they can be really inspirational with a thanks or a high five at the end of the day.
Many students come to class with self-doubt do to the fact that they are apprehensive of making a mistake or looking foolish in front of their peers. I try to create a positive and comfortable learning environment by letting my students know that I once sat in their seats and that we are in an environment where we are allowed to make mistakes and learn from them.
A female student expressed her concerns to me about her abilty to do the reqired work. I encouraged her to believe that she was completely capable to do all the procedures that were required and she ended up doing very well in my class.
I spend a great deal of time telling my students that this is the place to make mistakes. We want you to mess up so we can be the ones to help you. Making mistakes is a way to learn and you would rather do them now then in the workplace.
When I have students ask me questions of a technical basis or a task, rather than give them a direct answer or step by step procedure I ask them a series of questions that lead them down a path that allows them to answer their own question. In the end they learn problem solving technics and build self-confidence.
I agree! Relating my own experiences as a student and discussing times when I myself felt some doubt about my ability to be successful has been a "conversation starter" that has worked well for me when trying to help students recognize and embrace their own self worth and abilities. I always remind them: YOU have to believe that YOU can do it in order to realize your dreams and achieve your goals! :)
Sandy , great affirmation to the issue of persistence and dedication by a passionate instructor and how such individuals can truly make a difference. Thanks for all that you do and the attention you provide to your students. Keep up the great work.
James Jackson
Lisa, great post and tends to be a strong motivator for instructors and staff alike. There is no greater reward in all of higher education than to see your students be successful and to smile as they realize they can do it and can move on to have a successful career.
James Jackson
I love sharing the mistakes I have made or seen. It brings the humor into the class and lowers the tension of the learning environment down a little. If they know the instructor can make mistakes they can as well and that can open doors for better learning.
Not to long ago, had a student in myu class the had a fear of cooking in class, even though she loved it. I observed her behavior for a couple of days. I finally asked her "what to think of when you cook?" I learned that even though she loved to cook, learning new processes and being in a class she doubted what she wanted. We changed that around in 5 minutes. I explained to her that when i cook i think of the food, I smell it, i watch it cook and I think of what its going to taste like. GOOD!
I've been teaching now for 7 years and I am still amased at how many students come through the MA program that are afraid of their own success. I recently had a student who, at the beginning of the program, was withdrawn and quiet. I applied many of the techniques mentioned in this program, like asking her direct questions that I knew she had a grasp on to help build her confidence. After awhile this student began to participate and her grades and attendance improved.
Its wonderful to see students who are struggling have that 'light bulb' go off when they 'get it.
