I recently had an experience where my professor was watching me code, and I completely froze up—my mind went blank, and I couldn't think of what to do next. After he left, I was able to get back to coding, so I think I was just overthinking the situation. I'm a bit worried that he might think I'm not competent. I'm looking for tips on how to handle this kind of anxiety in the future. Any advice?
5 Answers
I totally get it! What you experienced is often called 'Spotlight Syndrome.' People tend to feel judged when they're being watched, but most of the time, others are more focused on their own thoughts than on you. Try practicing in low-pressure environments to build your confidence!
One effective way to combat this is to simulate pressure. Have someone act as your professor while you code. The more you practice in those situations, the more comfortable you’ll become. Plus, be sure to practice coding out loud to get used to multitasking under observation!
This happens to a lot of people! It’s like parallel parking; you can do it perfectly until all eyes are on you. Just remember that most people aren’t judging you as harshly as you think they are. Keeping that in mind can really help!
You're not alone in feeling this way! It’s super common to freeze up when someone is watching. Your professor probably doesn’t think about that moment anymore. Just remember, they give advice but don’t keep track of every student. Next time, thank them for the feedback and say you need a moment to process.
Don’t worry too much—most people feel awkward when being observed while coding. It can be stressful! Maybe try practicing coding in front of friends or in a group to get used to it. Just keep pushing yourself to face that fear; it’ll help you in the long run!
Absolutely! And it's okay to mess up in front of others. It’s part of learning.
Exactly! The pressure can get to you, but trust me, your prof has seen so many students, they won't dwell on it.