What do you do when a student’s lack of confidence holds them back from expressing their true self?
30 answers from our tutors
Best answer
Before the lesson start, I take a few minutes to chat or ask them about something they like or something that once made them laugh, so that they can feel relaxed throughout the lesson.
I take several steps to support them: 1. Create a safe environment. 2. Encourage small steps. 3. Provide positive reinforcement. 4. Offer supportive resources. 5. One-to-one conversations. 6. Model vulnerability. By implementing these strategies, I aim to help students feel valued and confident in expressing their true selves.
I often build trust and rapport by making the student feel comfortable, showing genuine interest in their thoughts and experiences. I also give them time to relax and don't rush them into speaking.
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Encourage even their smallest success by breaking tasks into manageable steps and give them a chance to express themselves gradually.
- V. Emma Lefortcertified ESL and EFL teacher with expertise in General and Academic IELTS preparation
Hello there dear Bonga, I usually try choosing topics that appeals to them for them to feel more comfortable, sometimes I even have to turn off my camera for those who are afraid of talking. I try to build the sense of intimacy so that they can know it's a safe space for them to talk
I motivate them to speak and encourage them to make mistakes as it is through those mistakes that they will learn and grow better in English, i also give them time to regroup and think of all important things they know about them self ,then after i start makijg example that will boost their confidence one step at time to communicate
Focus on their interests and what they consider practical English. Some people are quite shy, or very private, and you won't get their true self - this is often a cultural thing. Westerners generally tend to 'share'. Whereas many Asian cultures are more reserved.
Encourage self reflection set realistic goals provide constructive feed back offer guidance and support celebrate success encourage practice and perseverance seek additional help build a supportive and encouraging learning environment
My classes are also student centered,this is a way of allowing the child take ownership and build confidence. Positive affirmations and reward ( in terms of playing quizzes etc) are other ways in building confidence.
I would create a safe environment which will help a student to become free. I will try to build a trusting relationship with the student. I will always listen to the student attentively
- Teacher FayCertified ESL tutor with over 3 years experience teaching adults and teens
Sharing some of my own life experiences makes them feel that’s it’s ok. Repeat thats it’s ok to make mistakes,its the stepping stones to success. Increase real-life conversations which should be most times easier for them to speak about as well as topics which they must choose to talk about,not you as the tutor. The more they speak about this, the more confident they become speaking in general. At times it’s a lack of vocabulary, not knowing how to choose a topic when having small talk, and difficulty keeping a conversation going
Other student questions
Best answer
Repeat the words a lot and give a context to it, plus the picture of it. Find synonyms, make the student create sentences using the new vocab and finally of they write down a story using these new words, they won't probably forget about them easily :)
- hello everyone please help I would like to ask if how can I get students here?
Best answer
follow the guidelines, be active, and use social media to introduce your page to potential students.
