Students are more likely to overcome a fear of failure if they believe that:

Students are more likely to overcome a fear of failure when they believe that an instructor genuinely wants them to succeed. This belief fosters a supportive learning environment where students feel safe to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from those experiences. When students perceive that their instructor is invested in their progress, they are more likely to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than as threats to their self-esteem.

The confidence derived from knowing that the instructor is supportive encourages students to engage more fully in their learning. This dynamic can lead to increased motivation and resilience, enabling them to tackle their fears and approach their studies with a growth mindset.

Other options may not foster the same level of encouragement. Believing that the fear is real could reinforce anxiety, while trying to impress the instructor may lead students to focus more on performance than on learning. Treating peers the same by the instructor could also promote a sense of fairness, but without the foundation of genuine support, it may not effectively reduce fear of failure.