Teaching staff will... 

 Specific strategies for you to try...

1.  Help students participate in small group discussions

Some students experience anxiety when asked to discuss their ideas with their peers, especially if they did not anticipate that they would be required to interact in this way.

• In discussion with teaching staff, create a set of ground rules that help to promote an inclusive culture where it is safe to express opinions and share ideas. 
  
  
• Engage in class by asking questions, sharing ideas with the person sat next to you, and adding smaller statements. 
  
  
• If English is your additional language, develop your confidence and fluency with a language course on participating in discussions.

2.  Encourage students to actively engage and speak up in class

Many active learning techniques require students to participate in a whole class discussion. It can feel uncomfortable for some students to speak up, particularly in front of a large group.

• Request that interactive tools e.g., Mentimetre or Padlet, are used within teaching activities to ensure all voices are heard. 
  
  
• A ‘Think-Pair-Share’ approach can be effective for engaging collaboratively with learning materials e.g., reflect individually, share your ideas with a peer, then feedback to the wider group.  
  
  
• Take it in turns to nominate each group member to feedback, this will give everyone an equal chance to speak and build confidence. 
  
  
• Ask teaching staff to give adequate warning to help you prepare to contribute e.g., establishing a routine for nomination. 

3.  Facilitate collaborative working through peer assessments or group tasks 

Peer support and collaborative work are reported as reducing anxiety as the workload is shared and the learning experience less isolated.  However, being assessed on someone else’s performance can cause stress. 

• As a group, discuss the merits of free choice vs teacher allocation of group members to help decide on a suitable approach. 
  
  
• Attend ‘office’ or ‘student hours’ as a group to discuss progress or problems. 
  
  
• Request informal practice of group or peer-to-peer learning so you can develop skills without being assessed. 
  
  
• Learn how to develop good working relationships with others through Life Tools resources e.g  ‘Ace Presentations and Collaborations’.

4.  Arrange informal opportunities for students and staff to get to know each other 

Regular interactions with students and academic staff allow students to build a sense of belonging and to feel supported in their learning environment. 

• Channel your ideas for social activities through the student representative for your module/programme. 
  
  
• Liaise with Reading Students’ Union for support with networking events and academic societies. 
  
  
• Arrange informal meetings with others in your tutorial or class group. Ask staff to suggest or book a venue. 
  
  
• Ensure peers and teaching staff know how to pronounce your preferred name. Audio name badges can help avoid mispronunciations. 

5.  Set assessments which keep you challenged and stretched

Assessments which focus on learning rather than grades ensure that students’ skills and knowledge are assessed at the right time. Formative assessments provide opportunities for feedback, which can reduce anxiety in future assessment tasks.

• Mixed methods of assessment are important. Ask teaching staff to explain the different opportunities to demonstrate learning and skills on a module. 
  
  
• Put the challenge in the right place. A complex assessment can be managed by breaking down the assessment into smaller tasks: 
  
  
  • Check what is required. Download and annotate the assignment brief.
  • Discuss a suitable process with teaching staff e.g. What part of the task should you focus on each week? 
  • Build confidence in checking what skills and abilities you already have e.g., problem solving  
  • Review any new skills needed to complete the task and where to access support e.g. analysing data.  
  • Consult Study Advice guides, webinars and videos on time management