Insecurity comes in many forms, and it can be experienced in various environmental settings. Classroom is one of those places in which some learners experience insecurity on different levels. This can make it difficult and even unpleasant for learners to attend the lessons. Furthermore, it tends to make the teachers’ task more challenging, as they need to take action in order to make sure the learners feel comfortable. However, there are various things teachers can do in order to keep learners’ insecurities to the minimum or help them eliminate it completely.
The root of the problem
At first, it is essential to understand the root of the problem. The teacher can look deeper into the issue by observing situations when learners feel insecure.
For instance, a teacher can make some attempts in order to find out more about the issue such as how often the insecurity is experienced by the learner(s), if it is triggered by a task carried out in the classroom and when the learner seems more confident. When the teacher understands the issue thoroughly, they can choose the right time and the right approach so that the issue can be solved successfully.
Below, we offer some strategies that will help you to deal with students’ insecurity.
Praising effort first
Countless students have the feeling that they are good learners only if they do all the tasks correctly or achieve good test results. However, accuracy is one of the outcomes of the prior learning, which takes place before any kind of related task or assessment. Therefore, students surely need to be praised for their efforts, regardless of their accuracy. Once students start doing tasks correctly, they can and should be praised for it as a follow-up feedback.
Setting achievable goals
Each student is an individual with his own pace and prior knowledge. It is essential to remember that the student(s) may need some time and sense of achievement before they feel confident. Initially, simpler tasks can be carried out with the intention of giving the learner(s) some more confidence before moving on to the main content.
Showing interest in their achievements in other fields
Another problem students sometimes face is that they may feel like they are at risk of ending up not being a *good student* for not performing so well at the subject being taught by the teacher while they are good at other things. As a result, they might start feeling insecure. It is always a good idea to try to find out about the students’ achievements in other subjects or even outside school. Once students feel appreciated for their efforts in general, they might feel more confident in the lesson.
Making mistakes is okay
Fear of making mistakes can lead to insecurity. So, it is essential that students hear from their teacher that mistakes are okay, and they are a part of learning. Teachers can talk to their students about it and reassure them that it is the part of their learning process.
Giving jobs in the classroom
Learners with insecurities often need help in order to come out of their shells. So, it is a good idea to think of enough jobs to assign one duty per student. It will help students feel at place in the classroom, giving them a purpose beyond just “student.” They can be asked to help with small things such as erasing the board, handing out the worksheets, opening the window etc.
In conclusion, while learners’ insecurities in the classroom is a potential obstacle for the learners and the teacher, it is manageable to find out the reasons of it and then approach the issue by using various strategies such as mentioned earlier. Therefore, even though it may seem problematic, it is something that always can be resolved.