What type of goals should instructors set to aid in building student confidence?

Setting achievable goals that can be celebrated is essential for building student confidence because these goals provide a clear, attainable target that students can realistically reach. When students accomplish these goals, they experience a sense of success and fulfillment, which boosts their confidence in their abilities. This approach fosters a positive learning environment, encouraging students to take on new challenges while reinforcing their skills in a supportive manner.

In contrast, focusing on competition results can lead to unnecessary pressure and may make students feel inadequate if they don’t perform well, which could undermine their confidence. Goals set over a long time period may create a sense of uncertainty or discourage students if they don't see immediate progress, while intimidating goals can lead to anxiety and a fear of failure rather than fostering confidence. Hence, the emphasis on achievable goals helps maintain motivation and enthusiasm for learning and growth.