Do you remember what it is like to learn? I’m headed to Orlando, FL this week to an intensive data analytics conference hosted by the American Accounting Association. I’m going to be learning a lot of great data analytics tools including advanced Excel, Power BI, Tableau, and maybe, if I get brave, even Python or R.
I’m excited, nervous, and terrified. A jumble of feelings as I enter the learning experience. As a teacher, I’m reminded that this is how my students feel when they step into my class at the beginning of each semester. I can help them overcome their anxiety by doing a couple of things:
- Create a warm and welcoming environment.
- Be positive and happy!
- Explain what the course covers and all of the requirements.
- Share a little bit about me and have them share a little bit about them.
- Make sure that the students know that I’m here to help them succeed.
- Instill confidence by sharing stories of other students who have succeeded.
I can’t wait to head to Orlando and be a student again. I know I’m going to learn a lot and I’ll have great instructors who will help me succeed. When’s the last time you’ve learned something new? What were your takeaways? How did being a student help you become a better professor?
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