How can instructors help students build confidence?

Setting achievable goals and celebrating progress is a fundamental strategy for helping students build confidence. When instructors break down the learning process into manageable steps, it makes the tasks feel less overwhelming and more attainable. This structured approach allows students to experience consistent success, which in turn fosters a sense of achievement and boosts their confidence in their abilities.

Celebrating progress, regardless of how small, reinforces positive behavior and encourages students to continue striving for improvement. This recognition can create a supportive environment where students feel valued and motivated to push past their challenges.

In contrast, avoiding feedback would leave students without guidance or reinforcement of their progress, making it difficult for them to develop the necessary skills or confidence. Assigning difficult tasks can be discouraging, especially if students do not feel prepared to tackle them, which could hinder their growth rather than support it. Limiting practice sessions restricts opportunities for students to gain experience and improve, which is essential for building confidence in their riding abilities.