Hand-in-hand with cell phone addiction comes a dramatic rise in depression, loneliness, and anxiety among Emerging Adults.  Anxiety in particular affects nearly 60% of our students. Our job as teachers is to create an environment where students can become connected, feel successful, formulate intrinsic values, and ultimately learn. How can we accomplish this seemingly impossible task?

According to Jean Twenge, student anxiety is approaching 60%, which roughly translates into about 1 out of every 2 students who walk into our classrooms.  While the effects of anxiety on the brain are becoming better researched and documented, one thing is clear: anxiety at any level reduces the brain’s ability to learn. So, how can we help students to learn, in spite of their anxiety levels? 

1. Pace Setting – Writing on Board
2. Wait time / Wait Phrases
3. Christian Practices
4. Reflection Activities / Exercises
5. Visible Expectations
6. Give Feedback Early & Often
7. Give the “Why” Behind Your Expectations or Policies
8. Emphasize Learning Over Grades – See Article Below on “Too Smart to Fail”
9. Use a Positive Tone in Your Syllabus and in Your Rapport with Students
10. Be Consistent
11. Writing About Text Anxiety