5th July 2012 13:14
By Blue Tutors
Increasing Confidence in Students
Some students come to you brimming over with confidence. They know they are going to get an A but want an A*, or they know they are good but are just struggling with a certain aspect of the syllabus. But then there are others, who can hardly say a word without blushing, whose eye contact is non existent. These students need help to regain confidence in themselves before we can possibly ask them to move on with their learning.
Confidence plays a huge part in learning; it can’t be underestimated. Students who are in fear that whatever they say is going to be wrong are not in a good place mentally to take on new ideas.
While a parent may be anxious to move their child on and see rapid improvement, in my opinion it is better to proceed more slowly at first. Slow and sure steps towards a very achievable goal will reap many rewards later on. Initially opportunities for praise should guide your lesson plans. Setting mini goals for the student which you are confident they will understand relatively easily will allow you many chances to reward your student with praise and positivity.
I find that with this slowly slowly approach for the first few lessons I am teaching them nothing new, but only allowing them the space to realise that they do know things and that they can speak out confidently without fear of being chastised. As they swell in confidence so their learning pace can increase. Instead of thinking what they say will be wrong they will be more inclined to venture their own opinions, to step outside their comfort zone.