Building confidence in students is very important because without confidence the students will have a hard time applying their knowledge for practical use outside the classroom. There is also a danger for many students (especially for young adults) to give answers the teacher wants to hear instead of bringing their own opinion and expressing themselves with their own words. Because of this fact it is important as a teacher to be creative enough to help the students turn their fear into curiosity. Of course the confidence level of students varies from student to student and from culture to culture.

To know our students and to know the confidence level of each, we need to have a good and trustworthy relationship not only with the class but also with every individual. This does not only help the teacher to find out more about the culture and the students but it also helps the students to trust and open up to the teacher.

One of the greatest fears that students have is to make mistakes and feel rejection or embarrassment. In showing the students that even teachers can make mistakes we can help them understand that making mistakes is an important part of learning. To create a comfortable atmosphere for the students we have to be open for several different ways of communicating answers and giving solutions. Any given correction must be constructive and kind. Encouraging words are more productive than causing embarrassing moments in front of the class. Never allow other students to make fun of other’s mistakes.

To ensure that every student (weaker or stronger) feels comfortable, we have to treat them equally and do not give more attention to any one individual. We should have a motivational attitude towards everyone. Do not put weaker students on the spot but give them, through more simple tasks, better chances to have successful experiences and to build up their self confidence. We have to give appropriate homework so they are getting enough practice so they can be more confident in using their English knowledge. It is wise to give all students many opportunities to make good impressions in front of the class. It is also appropriate to reward them for extra work.

The students should realize that it is normal to make mistakes in the process of learning (consider a small child learning how to walk). After making mistakes they are used to getting corrected and the form of correction can and will influence their further learning progress (especially affecting their motivation concerning learning languages). As a teacher we have to make sure that we never leave the impression of correcting a student because of their personality or character. We never should correct in a way where they to feel defensive. It would be a good idea to have students conduct roll plays so they become comfortable with the language while they are pretending to be someone else. In this way, they obtain correction not connected to criticism rather to their language performance.

We chose this topic because we saw in our own lives as students that it can be very destructive if students lack confidence. Not only the time while we are learning is lost but also the love for the language can be lost. Without fun and a healthy atmosphere it is very difficult to learn another language.

Sascha and Doris Gull