High School Students Fear
How do you overcome a student right out of High School with the fear of not fitting in. Small fish big pond?
John--
That is a great question. It is important to help students find where they fit in that pond! Even the small ones have a place and role. We can't all expect to be the sharks.
Susan
I believe that a "diplomatic dose of realistic expectations" would be appropriate. They should understand that they are entering a new stage of life and that adaptation and change may and will be necessary.
Fear of not fitting in is common not only to younger students, but to anyone who faces changes. Most students coming out of high school are technology savvies. They can easily be incorporated into any assignment taking this stressful load from older students, and opening doors to communication with classmates.
We have quite a few students coming right out of high school that are placed in classes with career-changers, ex-military, retirees, etc. who have obvious fears about performing to standards. The major issue tends to be maturity - they're used to being taught by high school teachers, so we need to address this and incorporate it into our style.
Jason,
That's wonderful that you are sensitive to this difference. It certainly is a challenge to have such a mixed class in terms of goals and demographics. That said, it is also a wonderful opportunity and definitely a reflection of the workp lace they will soon enter!
Susan Backofen
