Self-Efficiacy
I think its important to give students independance and confidence with there responsabilities in school so that if they see there class mates doing well then they will want to achieve these same goal in class as well.
Elizabeth,
Giving students a voice through providing choices also is effective.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I was in my 50's when I decided to return to school for my Bachelors Degree. It is an experience that I often share with my students for several reasons.
I want them to know that I understand that there is life outside of school and am willing to help when I can to work with them on deadlines and due dates.
I also want them to know that there is such satisfaction in setting and meeting a goal that involves commitment of time and work.
I had to rearrange and organize my schedule to allow for work and school and family. I did this for 2 years and when it was done, I was amazed at how much extra "time" I now had in my day for fun "stuff". But most important is that in the end I had my degree and I had met my goals. It is truly a great feeling, and one that I share with my students.
Thank you for this post, Mary. Instructors who have had the types of experiences you have had can be seen as a "similar other" with whom students may relate.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Yes it is good to give students a voice. That lets them know that we are listening to them.
Johnice,
Adult students tend to be more engaged when they feel they have a say in what happens to them. Giving students control and choice are keys to good retention and student motivation.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Giving students an opportunity to find their voice in a group is very important. Often, I will have a small group of students who speak for the class. I find it refreshing to divide the students into small groups and have them work on a task and share their results with the class. Creating opportunities to hear from the more quiet and reserved students helps build confidence in them and helps the other students get to know them better. Immediate feedback helps encourage the students to participate more as well.
Kelly,
Thank you for this post. Getting shy students to participate is a universal instructional challenge.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I share with my extern students that this is not the end of the course for them, it is the beginning of their career.
When they hear this they realize how much more there is to learn beyond the classroom and embrace the hands-on experience with more enthusiasm.
Apryl,
I like to talk to my graduates about the "commencement" that is about to take place.
Jeffrey Schillinger
To enhance self-efficacy with our students, we must identify deleterious beliefs and provide evidence to prove why these beliefs are inaccurate. Instructors must create numerous opportunities for students to attain their objectives and retain motivation. Instructors must encourage students to journalize their success and note the strategies and proficiencies they utilized to produce positive outcomes. In addition, instructors must praise students for their efforts and success and offer guidance for their challenges and setbacks.
I have always believed in self-talk; you can tell yourself you are a failure and you will fail. If you reinforce that you are really doing a great job and everyone likes you, that will happen too. It's kind of like faith.
Colleen,
There is some strong evidence that a teacher who believes in students will treat them as such and the students will eventually internaize that belief. This Pygmalion effect is quite powerful.
Jeffrey Schillinger
