My mother in her younger years was a maths teacher. Her experience sparked a fire within me, which I will share with you today. The story relates not only to school children, but also to leading and prospering with your business.
Incredibly, a staggering 50% of UK adults lack basic mathematical skills. As a passionate advocate for mathematics, this is heartbreaking. My mum was teaching intelligent individuals struggling with fundamental concepts, likely due to missed lessons and a subsequent lack of confidence to seek help. This statistic represents countless students who silently grapple with similar gaps in their understanding, impacting their overall educational journey.
The solution, my mum realised, wasn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Traditional tutoring offered individual attention, but replicating that experience for a large population presented a challenge. Additionally, overcoming a fear of asking questions often required a safe space.
Enter Peer Power: Building Confidence Through Shared Experiences
Peer learning emerged as the answer. By recruiting energetic young adults as teachers – just a few years ahead of their peers – mum envisioned fostering a relatable and engaging environment. These young tutors wouldn’t just impart knowledge, they’d build confidence. However, convincing others of this innovative approach wasn’t easy.
Rejection, Resilience, and Reward
Initial attempts to partner with schools were met with skepticism. Time and again, she faced concerns about feasibility. Yet, she remained undeterred. Her belief in the power of peer learning fuelled her determination. Finally, a chance encounter with two enthusiastic sixth-form maths students during exam invigilation proved to be a turning point.
These remarkable individuals embodied the essence of peer learning. They made learning fun, connected with younger students on a relatable level, and most importantly, instilled confidence in their peers to ask questions and embrace challenges. Their success cemented mum’s conviction in the transformative power of this approach.
Lessons Learned: Building Confidence in Education (and Beyond!)
My mum’s experience isn’t just about peer learning; it’s a lesson on the importance of confidence in all aspects of life. The techniques teachers and tutors use can be equally applied by entrepreneurs and managers:
- Stay Calm: Shouting rarely works. It might grab attention, but it won’t foster learning or retention. Leaders need to be calm and composed. Stress is contagious, so manage your own with apps like Headspace, deep breathing exercises, or short walks.
- Listen: Whether it’s an employee struggling with a concept or a student facing a mathematical hurdle, everyone deserves a listening ear. Respectful listening fosters confidence and encourages the development of new ideas.
- Enthuse: While cheerleading isn’t the goal, enthusiastic recognition for achievements fuels motivation. Public praise goes a long way in boosting confidence and promoting a positive work or learning environment.
- Be Consistent: Pressure is inevitable, but it shouldn’t erode these essential practices. Maintain a consistent approach by prioritising calmness, active listening, and enthusiastic praise, even amidst challenging circumstances.
Confidence is a Two-Way Street: Belief in Yourself and Belief in Others
Effective educators believe in their students’ abilities. They recognise and cultivate strengths. Similarly, good managers inspire confidence in their teams. Ultimately, having someone believe in you is a powerful motivator.
The Conversation Continues: How Do You Build Confidence?
We’ve explored how peer learning fosters confidence in education. But how can we apply these principles in other environments? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Here are some prompts to get you started:
- Have you ever experienced a lack of confidence impacting your learning or work? How did you overcome it?
- How can we create more supportive learning and work environments that nurture confidence?
- What are some strategies you’ve used to build confidence in others?
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