1st Class Anxiety: the Reality

Since most students pointed out how high the anxiety level was and how critical it is for teachers to create a comfortable environment, the question is: What is the reality in our college classrooms? Are most professors aware of the 1^st Class Anxiety phenomenon? Do they realize its importance? Most importantly, do they use any strategies to help students reduce their 1^st Class Anxiety? The sad reality is: NO. Students reported that in other UTB classes, the professors seldom use ice-breaking activities, show little interest in knowing their students, seldom encourage students to interact and learn about each other. As a result, they do not know the professor nor the peers very well, and they do not feel comfortable in class.

Most of the other classes don’t start off with ice breaker, but rather jump right into lecture. All students never have the time to get to know one another and I think that adds to the tension or anxiety between students—Jim, Jan 15, 2008, EDCI 4322-60

The first day of class in college for me has always been the same. I debate whether to actually go to the fist day because I know professors usually use it to go over their syllabus and do not take attendance because of all the adds and drops. So to be honest I used to look at it as having one extra day to miss…--Mike, January 17, 2008, EDCI 4322-01

I had never been in a class where the professor did not start out with a discussion of the syllabus. Usually it takes me several weeks to learn everybody’s name….-- Amy, Jan 15, 2008, EDCI 6304

…in other classes you just sit-down in your chair and never know who sits around you and it is a miracle if you talk to them; I am sure that this happen because you have to do a group presentation. If not, you don’t. -- Aran, Jan 16, 2008, EDCI 4322-01

…most professors don’t demonstrate an interest in getting to know their students or even encouraging them to participate, taking for granted the time they are allotted with their students. -- Jackie, January 17, 2008, EDCI 4322-01

I'm not really sure if I have ever had such a personable encounter with a college professor before. I'm almost positive I haven't, because I would have remembered. -- Sally, January 17, 2008, EDCI 4322-01

To read more about 1st Class Anxiety:
1st Class Anxiety: the Phenomenon

1st Class Anxiety: Why?

1st Class Anxiety: Good or Bad?

1st Class Anxiety: the Solutions

1st Class Anxiety: the Reality