Sink or Swim: Teaching Confidence

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It was a new semester and I entered into my office. I was told that I will be getting a group of students who will be teachers. It was my duty as their mentor and Jedi Master to whip them into shape. Ok, maybe not whipping, but train them and do it well. When I saw them for the first time and got to know them, I found out that they were excellent academically.

Most of them had a string of As in the National exam. However, what they have in academic prowess, they lack in other skills. One such skill was public speaking. It is hard to imagine a teacher who is not confident presenting in front of the class. As such, during one of my weekly mentoring sessions, I asked them to meet me in the cafeteria. When they arrived, I pointed to the stage set up in the middle of the cafeteria.

I informed that in two weeks, the class will speak during morning breakfast. They can speak about any topic, for at least 5 minutes. I saw the smiles disappear. Some were engulfed in fear and considered quitting the program. I assured them that I would work with them if they would allow me to. The first time was difficult for some, but after a few weeks, speaking in front became second nature to them.

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Some even participated in competitions and conferences where they were speakers. Now when they teach, their students enjoy their lessons. This all came from that first time where they were placed in the situation where they had to sink or swim.

Creating the Right Environment

One reason the students' confidence was built up was due to the environment that they were placed in. Despite being thrown into the deep end, the students were able to come rise above their fears. Don't get me wrong, I am not suggesting that students should be thrown in the deep end all the time. This often times have an opposite effect. However, what helps the students gain confidence is creating the environment that help them conquer their fears. In the story above, the students were guided and were driven to public speak.

Public speaking is not heavily focused in the curriculum. As such, it was important to create activities and situations where the students were made to public speak. This leads to practice and eventually, improvement.

Encouragement and guidance

Of course, confidence building also encompasses the need to guide and encourage the students. When I initiated the public speaking activity, the students had no reason to participate. There were no extra credits nor was there any decrease in their workload. Thus, as they public spoke every two weeks, there were times where they were disappointed with the outcome.

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In such cases, I would tell them about how they did extremely well and how proud I was with them. I would also point out different aspects in which they could improve upon. This has helped them in building up their ability to speak well in public. While it did not happen quickly, it is important to start the students off in addressing their lack of confidence. After much guidance and practice, they will learn how to overcome their fear or lack of confidence.

This does not necessarily apply in public speaking only. It applies also in being confident in everything else. It also starts with having the students believe in their own ability. Some of these students had never heard of how much someone believes in them. This has led them towards being willing to try.

As teachers it is important to start the students down the path of improvement. It is important to guide them towards being willing to build up their own confidence, address their fear and eventually overcome their lack of confidence.

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