Tackling a New Challenge
When you tackle a new challenge, how do you feel? Are you nervous, anxious and excited all at the same time? These are some emotions that describe how I always feel when starting something new. The unfamiliar is usually intimidating for most of us, but most of us also enjoy a good challenge too, especially if the result is something we really want.
Week Two is Always Better than Week One
Getting into the second week of a new class is always a good place to be for my students and for me too, actually. In the second week, though still not relaxed and comfortable, most students can see that they’ve taken the initial step and they’ve made it through a whole week without the sky falling.
I spend a good bit of time in the first week trying to reassure and make students feel more confident, but confidence is something one must gain on his or her own terms. Others can be encouraging, but no one can give confidence to another.
As the Apprehension Fades
As the weeks go by I have the incomparable pleasure of watching my students come out of their timidity and state of total apprehension, and begin to express their thoughts and ideas with more and more confidence. It happens every time.
This is what I love about teaching. Even when I am teaching online where I never get to see my students face to face, I am always amazed at what I can learn about them through a short term. I hope the encouragement I offer makes just a little bit of difference in their journey. They make a difference in mine.
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Sandy Davis is a long-time educator who holds a Masters Degree in Education and currently teaches Online Communication Courses on the college level.
