Are you looking for problems or solutions?
How do you try to convey this message to your students?
It seems to me that outside stressors have a larger effect on students than school related stress. the "external" stressors seem to be typically beyond the students ability to cope more so than "internal" stressors that the student at least feels that he can control or at least take responsibility for.
A student with family issues appears more likely to react negatively (or give up) as opposed to a student who has to take a test he or she isn't prepared for or has failed.
Being a person who likes a challange i deal with stress very well. I have the attitude of deal with it and move on. So sometimes its hard for me to understand why there letting something get to them.When it seems so simple to me.
I agree. I believe It how you deal with the things that happen. Are you looking at it in a negative way..or a postive way. Also do you continue to dwell on it or accept it and move on.
I have found that many sources of stress come from events in a student's life outside of school. In these situations, we may have only a limited ability to help. However, we do have the power to indirectly help in a substantial way by preparing the student to deal with situations themselves.
I have found that its not what happens to you or to those around you that will actually cause excessive stress although its starts the ball rolling. I believe its what you do or how you handle whats going on around you that ultim ately determines the amount of stress each and every problem may bring.
My faculty never reacted favorably when I told them that I would hold to the same standard they imposed on their students. Is it done or not - no quarter.
Remember that many of our students are also working adults who have experienced the world of work you describe and are desperately trying to accommodate an employer, instructor, as well as the needs of their family.
Understanding and compassion are also in the dictionary.
Is there a down side to these actions? How would you improve the process?
I agree to a point. Giving the student tools to manage their stress, evaluate alternatives and present the consequences of their actions could help restore their confidence.
Stress is a common factor in most peoples lives.In the real/working world excuses such as stress are rarely accepted in lieu of performance. Trying to be understanding of all students personal issues isn't very realistic and seems to enable the lack of fortitude required to truly succeed. These are ADULT education classes and sympathy can be found in the dictionary.
