When learners express anxiety, the instructor’s best initial response should be?

When learners express anxiety, addressing their feelings and concerns is the most effective initial response an instructor can provide. This approach demonstrates empathy and acknowledges the emotional state of the learners, which is crucial for creating a supportive learning environment. Recognizing their anxiety can help to validate their feelings, reduce their stress levels, and encourage open communication. By discussing their concerns, the instructor can also better understand the factors contributing to the learners' anxiety and tailor their instructional methods to alleviate those issues, ultimately fostering a more conducive learning atmosphere.

Engaging with the learners allows the instructor to build trust and rapport, which can lead to improved engagement and learning outcomes. In contrast, ignoring their concerns or changing the subject can make learners feel dismissed, leading to increased anxiety and disengagement. Providing immediate rewards, although potentially positive in some contexts, does not directly address the underlying issue of anxiety and may not help in building a constructive learning experience.