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Too nervous to work

I have a student who get very nervous while working on his assignments. He starts day dreaming and when told to concentrate and do his work he fumbles with his pencil and second guesses himself often. I feel like he is afraid to be wrong and gets nervous because of it. How can I help him relax and trust himself?

Posted on: 02/21/15 | Views: 1164
Solution #1
Top Solution
I would consistently remind the student that it is okay to get questions wrong, because this is how we learn. When a question in answered incorrectly, take that anxiety and turn it into motivation to remember the correct answer and be able to get the question correct in the future.

I would exactly do this

Great solution. I really like how you mentioned that is how we learn. 10/10

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Solution #2
The student most likely gets extremely nervous because he has a high affective filter. It is extremely important that the classroom is a comfortable environment and mistakes are normal and okay. Perhaps have him work with another student who speaks the same language as him, assuming that he is an ESOL student, and see if this helps him be more comfortable when he is working.

I would exactly do this

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Solution #3
Sometimes when I write for modeling purposes in front of the whole group, I will go back and revise and edit my work to demonstrate for students that even teachers make mistakes. You could also allow him to peer edit so that he sees the benefit of feedback when given and received, as long as the student you pair him with is positive and patient.

I would exactly do this

I like teacher modeling to ease the classroom environment for him. Making sure he knows that learning isn't easy and its okay to make mistakes.

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Solution #4
Sounds like the student is experiencing a lack of confidence. I would make sure he fully knows the instructions and what's expected of him, and help guide him along the way.
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Solution #5
I would try to work one-on-one with this student whenever possible. I would also try to smile more often so he feels welcomed within the classroom and give him positive feedback/word of encouragement when he does complete his work.
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Solution #6
Consistently reinforce positive work using behavior specific praise as he is working on his own. You do not want to call him out of wrong answers, but if something needs to be fixed provide suggestions to help him achieve the answer.
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Solution #7
I would communicate with the student about why he does these things and figure where to move on from there. Whether it is something they can progress in speaking between the two, or whether the student may need special education teaching. After the teacher has concluded, have a parent-teacher or parent-teacher-principal conference to discuss the situation.
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Solution #8
Maybe you can check in with him every few minutes and give him an encouraging comment.

good idea

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Solution #9
Maybe find what helps the student relax and feel comfortable. This could simply be a placement in the classroom, a pillow behind his chair, etc. Let him know that making mistakes is apart of learning and everyone does it. Try seeing if giving rewards for staying on task will help.

I don't agree with the example of putting a pillow behind his chair, we should be modeling equality in the classroom not giving special treatment.

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Solution #10
I have a student who struggles with anxiety. I try to reassure her that she is in a safe environment.

Maybe try pairing him up in small groups. It sounds like he needs to get comfortable in his surroundings before he lets his guard down.

good idea

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