stressors
As an instructor what insight can I provide the
student to eliminate or to escape the stressors
to remain in school?
Eva, just the fact that you are an instructor means that you have gone through some of the experiences that your students will face. You also have observes some of the problems that some of your previous students have dealt with. As the occasion arises, you might include some discussion of these issues in class. Frequently, other students are experiencing the same problem and this provides an opportunity for the group to work through alternatives and solutions. Also, having recent graduates come back to talk to current students affords a chance to talk about the barriers they faced and overcame.
Hopefully, other people enrolled in RT101 will share their best practices.
The instructor must boost the student's sel-esteem. Building confidence will add to their desire to excel in their course of study. EX: Show each student that they are capable of getting a good grade on a test, the first week if possible.
The challenge that each classroom instructor faces is the possible conflict between building self-esteem and false confidence, Julie. Can you provide an example of the point you are making?
We try to prepare the students for the stressors before they occur. Discussion of such topics as transportation issues, family problems, motivation problems and possible solutions to these can help a student when these stressor come upon them. Citng specific examples of situations overcome by actual students who sucessfully completed school; can help the student see they are not alone in their circumstances. This can be accomplished by orientation discussion followed by a written assignment (done at home and turned in by a specific time) on how the student could overcome specific obstacles. Knowing that some stressors, even serious ones can come up and be overcome can help relieve stress.
Excellent idea, Teresa. Is it difficult to get students to talk about these issues at orientation?
As instructors, we provide role models for our students. We are empathetic with their problems, but we are not enablers who allow the students to use their stresses as excuses. Students need to know that many people, including the faculty and staff, have varying levels of stress outside the classroom. They need to manage that stress (even find relief from it) within the academic situation.
Many of our classes during the tenure of the students specifically mention stress and stress relief. Psychology in particular discusses stressors and our ability to cope and separate our professional and business lives. These stress relief abilities will serve them well in both the academic and business worlds.
Managing stress is , indeed, a skill that will serve your students well, Nancy. Are there specific exercises or practices that are taught to the students?
I agree student stress is indeed a problem and I too would be interested in knowing any ways to relieve the stess within the classroom environment.
Have you talked to any of your colleagues about techniques they use, Stephen? What are some their best practices?
You need to open the students eyes to the fact that they will have to deal with stress all of their lives. The important part of this equation is being able to explain how to identify the true source of their stress. Help them I.D. it and understand it.
By doing so you've helped them to make informed decisions
John, do you discuss stress as part of the course or in personal contacts with the students? What tools do you use to help students identify the true source of their stress?
Sometimes people just need someone to listen to them ,also you can provide them with the hotline number for counseling.
As Instructor, I encourage students to set goals for themselves, and set it up based on their capability, so the goal that they set as achievable, this way they developed self confidence and then they can set their goal higher, sort of a ladder of goals.
Is their performance relative to these goals evaluated as part of their course grade? Does this create any problems in being able to do consistent evaluations?