DEALING WITH STRESS
accepting and understanding the illusionary sphere we live in can sometime alleviate the amount of stress we are creating for ourselves in response to the environment around us. if we acknowledge its effect we then have a better chance to cope with it in adressing the outcome.
the question is, can we really change the outcome
We can change the way stress affects by changing our perception of or attitude towards a situation. If I think 'I can't,' most likely, "I won't!"
True, but how does a student change their perception? What role does the faculty play in achieving this change?
I tell my students day one that the word can't is not an option, a positive attitude is important when dealing with issues. Some of the things that stress us out could be eliminated it they learn how to say NO.
As an instuctor- we have to try to change their perception-Lou Tice helps!!!
As instructors, we can continue to remind students that they cannot not control everything. However, they can control how they react to certain situations. I emphasize the importance of attitude in stressful situations.
Stress is a powerful thing. I have seen students become medically ill due to the stress of school. Instructors need to intervene when they see that a student is frustrated---don't wait until they are ready to give up-----early intervention is important. The student needs to feel as if he/she has a safety net in the classroom.
How do you handle faculty members who purposely create frustration, arguing that frustration is common in the workplace and students must learn to overcome it?
We do not have this type of atmosphere at our college. Instructors do not DELIBERATELY create frustration in the students. I believe that our instructors do the best they can to LIMIT the amount of frustration the student feels in the classroom.
By boosting the morale and feeding the self-concept of each student, we as educators are taking the student to the next level of reaching for the stars. Giving positive feedback, both written and verbally, by expressions, with a smile; instead of saying, "No, that's wrong, saying, "I think there could be another solution to that, keep thinking, or think outside of the box". I even ask my students to phone a friend in class when they don't have the correct answer. It helps them to network and to know that there could be help when needed. Starting off a class where you engage in a discussion of "Tell me something positive that happened since the last time I saw you" gets the ball rolling in the right direction. Even if the answer is, "I am in class today!"
I totally agree! Students don't know how to cope with stress because most of them have grown up in a very stressful environment and no support sysytem...They don't feel alive unless there is drama and stress in their life.
It sounds like you have a lively classroom, Karin. How do students respond when asked to share something positive? Do you get universal buy-in?
Your suggestion about phone use is an answer to problems raised in other Forums. Do you have the students make the calls during class or is this an out-of-class exercise?
A variation of your statement is that students are under constant stress of some sort. They learn coping skills - some positive, some destructive.
Hopefully, we will be able to provide additional positive tools.
I believe that we can change the outcome. I feel that the first step is to acknowledge that stress exists but don't sweat the small stuff that you have no control over. Instead find ways to improve so that it does not happen again. I also think that we need to change the way we speak to ourselves. Stop saying that "you can't" and take that energy and make it happen.
There's the serenity prayer again - grant the serenity to accept the things that can't be changed, strength and courage to change those that should be, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Of course, this assumes that students have the wisdom and then the strength and courage. Often easier said than done, but also a teaching opportunity for those working with students.
this is very true if a studnet has been told all their lives they will never do it they won't but if they are told they can do it they will.
Yes we can. My students sometimes give up before they even try a project. to coat tail a phrase .."there is nothing to fear, but fear itself", could apply with stress. A student may be stressing that the task/project at hand is impossible to complete. I encourage them by first starting the project, then as they work, make a determination of how difficult the task is or isn't. They can not make this determination untill they start to cope with the stress of failure, before they even start. The projects are not designed for them to fail, but to teach them and have them learn. Not completing a project doesn't mean they failed, if they learned and took away something to apply on the next task.
But at some point they have to demonstrate at least minimum proficiency. If they don't complete projects along the way, how will they be able to meet those standards?
Faculty should set a professional, positive and motivational atmosphere in their classrooms. This will enable students to keep their eye on their goal of graduating and not make impulsive decisions that could jeopardize their long range goal.
Of course we can change the outcome. We can choose to respond differently and we can choose to accept that things either need to change or are changing. By having a more positive mindset regarding the situation we find ourselves in, we can have a huge impact on the result of the situation.
