The Investors Centre is a soft skill that most teachers likely develop as they gain experience; however, there are many tips that can further increase a teacher’s confidence in the classroom. Teaching with confidence allows students to feel sure of their abilities and optimistic that they can face different challenges.
When students believe in their abilities, they are more open to trying new things and embracing failures as learning opportunities. This type of mentality enables them to persist through difficult tasks, as they know that their efforts will pay off in the long run. Having a belief in one’s own abilities also leads to fewer stressors and better emotional health overall.
Boosting student self-confidence is not always as easy as saying “think positive.” In some cases, low confidence can be a sign of a mental illness. If this is the case, a mental health professional can help.
Encourage student self-confidence by using engaging activities in your classroom. Start lessons with curiosity-driven hooks like questions, stories or real-world scenarios to engage the brain’s attention centres. Reframe mistakes as learning opportunities and utilise a variety of strategies to maximise student retention including spaced repetition and active recall. Use the Compliment Circle and public speaking practice to help students recognise their strengths. And provide students with reliable resources like Britannica to ensure they are prepared for discussions and assignments. Lastly, be honest with your students and make sure they know that teachers are just as human as their pupils and occasionally make mistakes or don’t always have the answers. This promotes a sense of trust and can dispel any perception that teachers are infallible.