Courage in the classroom

At Axia Solutions we have developed our first level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship just for women. Why? Women are not only underrepresented in senior roles but can often lack confidence and under estimate their own abilities. So, we started our journey of equipping and empowering females leaders with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours to break down those barriers. It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to see our future leaders begin their journey towards this qualification.

Stepping in to the ‘classroom’ is in itself a challenge, for most returning to education after a considerable amount of time is daunting. Wondering if you can juggle further study alongside the day job, not knowing what is expected of you and the thought of writing an academic piece of work, can seem impossible. It's not uncommon to feel like an imposter in the academic world and these feelings can lead to self-doubt and anxiety.

Knowing you’re not the only one thinking and feeling like this, is the first step in building confidence to overcome the challenges. The rest of the steps, not so linear, more of a messy pit of learning, there will be easy work and hard work, but it is all learning.

A blog post I have been wanting to write for some time, combining my own experience of battling the world of academia and observations in adult teaching, I hope to write a series of posts to explore some common experiences and offer strategies to help navigate these challenges. Some of the most prevalent are:

Confidence in Writing

One of the most prevalent issues adult learners face is a lack of confidence in their writing abilities. After years away from formal education, it's natural to feel rusty or out of practice. You might find yourself staring at a blank page, overwhelmed by the task ahead, thinking, "I'm not good enough to do this." Remember, writing is a skill that improves with practice. Start small, focus on your ideas, and don't let perfectionism paralyse you. As you continue to write and receive feedback, your confidence will grow.

Facing the Fear of Feedback

The fear of feedback can be paralysing for many adult learners. The thought of having your work critiqued by others might leave you feeling vulnerable and exposed. You might worry that negative feedback will confirm your worst fears – that you're not clever enough to succeed in academia. However, it's crucial to reframe how you view feedback. Instead of seeing it as a judgment of your worth, try to view it as a valuable tool for improvement. Constructive criticism is an essential part of the learning process and can help you grow as a leader.

Dealing with Feelings of Inadequacy

It's common for adult learners to feel that they're not good enough or not clever enough to succeed in higher education. You might look around at others and feel out of place or behind the curve. Remember that your life experiences are an advantage. You bring a wealth of knowledge and perspective to your studies.

Managing Overwhelm

The demands of higher education can feel overwhelming, especially when balancing studies with work, family, and other responsibilities. It's easy to feel like you're drowning in assignments, readings, and deadlines.

Imposter syndrome is a common experience for adult learners, but it doesn't have to define your educational journey. By acknowledging these feelings and actively working to overcome them, you can build confidence, find your voice, and succeed in your studies.

With the right support you can build your courage in the classroom.