How Do You Help a Student Gain Confidence?

By Josh Spuhler

I approach this problem in a straightforward but often neglected way. First, a relationship must be built between you and your anxious student. I feel the best way to do this is to start with eye contact and a lot of smiles. By doing this, it makes the student feel that you are 1) interested in them and 2) available for assistance. In a way, you are setting up a safety net for your student in which they feel free to talk about their fears without judgment. This is the first break through with the confidence problem. By setting up an atmosphere where the student feels like they can openly discuss their fears gives you a chance to deal with them early on and address them fully. This relationship needs to be carried out throughout the lesson to ensure the best product.

Once this atmosphere has been set then I try to follow the Keep It Simple Stupid (KISS) approach. Take the situation that causes the student problems and break it apart. Use easier terrain with small steep sections instead of the blue ice hill. Use simple tasks to break apart turns. Approach the big problem with small tasks and conditions that are none threatening. Use mastery of these smaller pieces to ease the fear of the bigger problem.

Once these small broken pieces are mastered under your close and positive watch and only after they are mastered start putting the pieces together. Be very positive and talk them through each step. Make sure they know that you are there and available to help them at any moment. Hopefully, with some time, patience, and positive reinforcement your student should have the confidence and skills necessary to achieve any level they choose.