Fear Factor: Overcoming the awkwardness of asking for help
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The quietest part of my day used to be my office hours, when students could meet with me without an appointment. Why? Because no one would show up for them. I clearly advertised the time I would be available, door open, ready to answer any questions. I extolled the benefits of asking for help. And I told my students what a valuable resource their professors were, that we wanted to help them be successful in their classes. But I still sat there alone. None of it worked. Students already know it would benefit them to get help. But asking for help feels awkward, uncomfortable, and embarrassing.