Stress levels
When managing the classroom, worrying about student's stress levels is important. However, balancing this with keeping up with the objectives of the course can be difficult.
I try to place myself in the student's shoes, keeping in mind my course likely isn't the only time commitment they have.
We definitely need to keep in mind the demographics of the students we have and factor in the challenges they may have outside of school that hinders their concentration and increases their stress levels. When a student knows they have a support team they can rely on that has resources to help them it eases their mind and allows them to focus on their "school life".
Its important to remember that the students have lives outside of school and to let them know you understand their commitment and that balancing is essential for success.
I try to put myself in the students shoes but at the same time they have to learn how to cope with stress.
Yes, this is true, particularly in large courses. When there are 10 students in a class, it is much easier to keep tabs on students' stress levels that it is when there are 30 students.
Sounds like you can be a very positive role models for your students.
Letting the student know that you understand is very helpful now these days. There are more and more students who are coming to school with already made families, jobs and other factors that sometimes come before school which can add additional stress.
One thing that I try to do is relate to my students and explain my life story and what I had to go through raising a child on my own. Losing a child, working two or three jobs, going to school to higher my education. I tell them that everything in their life happens for a reason and we need to take that and ride with it.
Sometimes, it helps bring that stress level down just a bit, and they have a living example to guide or help them in anyway possible.
sometimes pulling students out in the hallway and just asking if everything is good helps me know if i have a student with problems. Most students will tell you at this time if there is any problems school or even at home or work.
The "art" of education. Having good support services is an important way to achieve this balance.
Loren Kroh
