Comment on Crystal Arnold's post: Stress and attrition certainly go hand in hand. I'd say that stress itself is inevitable, and even healthy--meaning if a student doesn't feel a little stressed, are they really trying hard enough? My question (I just started this course, haven't reached the meat of it yet) is how to help students move past the paralysis and the "fear" response that often accompanies stress. I think one can be stressed but not afraid. Perhaps it's the fear we need to work on removing.
One idea (something that has helped me) is to create spaces - whether in classrooms or through peer or alumni mentorship - where students can feel their contributions matter and they can experience "success" through instructor feedback.
