Make Goals Realistic. Help students clarify and set goals that are plausible, given the current state of development. Have students describe a final goal and then list at least 3 steps they will have to reach along the way. Review and respond to their ideas. Desire to achieve success can be quickly replaced by fear of failure.
Fear causes some students to set goals that are unrealistically high too low.
They avoid work or wait until the last minute. Where anxiety and low performance are pervasive, the student may need to contact the Counseling Center. When it is focused on one class or assignment, lead a discussion around the practical steps and realistic expectations regarding the requirement. Responses to student work should point out what they can do to help themselves. Balance comments about errors with recommendations that students can follow.