In Times of Uncertainty, a Reassuring Voice

Edutopia

In the article "In Times of Uncertainty, a Reassuring Voice," the author highlights the significant impact of teacher communication on high school students' performance during stressful periods, such as final exams. The piece references a 2024 study that surveyed high school students about the types of messages they received from teachers before exams. The study categorized these messages into positive affirmations emphasizing effort and capability, emotional support offering reassurance and optimism, and instances where no supportive messages were conveyed.

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The findings revealed that students who received reassuring messages, such as "I'll be there to help you with whatever you need," demonstrated increased motivation and achieved higher grades. Conversely, students who did not receive any supportive communication from their teachers felt a lack of support, which correlated with lower test performance.​

This study underscores the crucial role educators play in influencing student outcomes through their communication strategies. By providing words of encouragement and expressing confidence in students' abilities, teachers can alleviate anxiety and foster a supportive learning environment. This approach not only enhances academic performance but also aids students in navigating challenging situations and uncertainties inherent in adolescence.​

For educators, the implication is clear: proactive and supportive communication before high-stakes assessments can significantly boost student confidence and achievement. Incorporating simple, reassuring messages into daily interactions can create a more positive and effective educational experience for students.

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Source: In Times of Uncertainty, a Reassuring Voice

Original Article

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Prepared with the assistance of AI software

OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com