Getting Past the Fear of DBAs

This article is based on student work published in the FLVS student newspaper, News in a Click.

DBAIf discussion-based assessments make you nervous, these tips from FLVS students may help!

DBAs are verbal assessments and are often the most dreaded assignments for FLVS students. Instead of comfortably typing essays and worksheets on their laptops, students communicate with an instructor one-on-one over the phone.

But why is this so terrifying? Surely the verbal component of the DBA is not intimidating, especially when the assignments are approached by the instructor as a conversation instead of an oral exam.

TIP: Did you know that DBAs can be completed in a live lesson setting or over a video call? Ask your teacher about this option! Learn more in this post about mastering the DBA.

However, if you compare talking on the phone for twenty minutes to being the only student called on to answer random questions for 20 minutes in a classroom, you can see why students are reluctant to dial their instructors’ numbers.

Fortunately, garnering the courage to call an instructor is not an impossible feat.

First, tailor your view of the assignment and focus on the positive aspects: DBAs are meant to test your knowledge, not scare you. After all, your teacher values your education, not necessarily your ability to recall memorized facts. He or she will help you through certain questions – not make you struggle through them. Also, teachers use DBAs as a way of gauging your knowledge so they can help you “fill in the cracks” of your education. Don’t look at it as a terrifying phone call that is meant to make you feel incompetent; picture it as a learning experience!

Also, keep in mind that DBAs are not one-sided conversations. They aren’t the equivalent of a multiple choice test. This means that you can use this time to ask your teachers questions as well. If you are ever unsure about something, a few minutes on the phone can save you hours of recorded lessons. Use this one-on-one time to your advantage and ask as many questions about the material as you want of your instructor.

If you dread DBAs, never knowing what questions may be asked, and not knowing what to study for, here are our top pointers.

These tips should help you survive your DBA – and hopefully improve your score as well.

  • Look through your module and decide what topics are most important.
  • Review the entire module carefully.
  • Study the topics in the module which you struggled with most.
  • Brace yourself when your teacher answers the phone. Who wants to talk with butterflies in their stomach?
  • Make a mini study guide from your notes to study, and highlight the major themes of the module.
  • Never be afraid to ask your teacher questions beforehand – they want to see you succeed!

Remember that DBAs are no different from regular activities – in fact, after an entire module, DBAs simply act as a review. Hopefully you are now better prepared to tackle those pesky DBAs, and perhaps see them as a little less troublesome.

Remember, your personalized, quality learning experience is just a phone call away. Know your stuff and you’ll do great!

Post adapted from articles in the FLVS student newspaper, News in a Click
“The DBA Debacle” by students Dylan Sexton, Kelsey Gulick, Hannah Fishbough, and Emily Smith

“Getting Past the Fear of DBAs” by Samantha Morris



216 comments on “Getting Past the Fear of DBAs

  1. Mrs. Osborn

    This is a great article! I often tell my English III students that my job is to help them review for the final and move that information from their short-term to long-term memory. Without regular review, all that learning is lost! Thanks for helpful hints for our students to master the DBA. 🙂

    Reply
        1. Jameelah

          same i cant take talking to people for a long period of time and im so unprepared just for the sole fact that idk what I’m doing

          Reply
        1. Brooke

          Me too in Spanish i did every assignment and i was left with the DBAS they happen to be very easy and your teacher or at least my teacher helps me when i mess up but i have different experiences with my other spanish teacher .

          Reply
          1. FLVSFLVS

            Your teachers are there to help if you need them! Even if it’s a little awkward, they are willing to help you whenever you get stuck. Just let them know if you’re confused or unsure about a question – or even if you just plain can’t remember. We’ve all been there! 🙂

        1. Jennifer

          Omg How did u do that, I have one coming up soon but it’s also through the phone after I get to the course module 10.

          Reply
          1. chantel

            for some reason when i do them im always so nervous but end up passing them lol im so nervous i have one right now for math

      1. Jassy

        My stomach starts to hurt when I get nervous one time a teacher called back bc everything I was saying cane from google an I almost died on the spot an I answered more questions got an A again but after that I decided to stop looking for answers before the test bc this is too much for my heart

        Reply
      2. Hailey

        Me too. I’ve been cramming information in because I’m scared that I’m gonna forget everything I’ve learned.

        Reply
          1. Ella Black

            Yeah same I’m about to take mine and I like him a lot, but I always get super nervous and mess up

    1. Natalie

      Not my world history teacher. When I couldn’t remember a question, he ended the DBA and told me to go study then call back 20 minutes later. He makes me even more nervous then I should be because he does that.

      Reply
      1. Tessa

        That happened to me today! I wrote down all of the notes from the lesson and none of the notes helped with the DBA. So I looked like I didn’t know any of the stuff from the history lesson and I was so embarrassed!

        Reply
        1. Dominic

          for real i have a dba in 15 minutes and i didnt pass the first time and Im having a panic attack. My doctors said that my panic attacks are bad because they raise my heart rate and I have congenital heart disease and it is not fun.

          Reply
          1. FLVSFLVS

            You got this! Don’t hesitate to let your teacher know about any health concerns and discuss possible accommodations or alternate formats for doing the DBA.

          2. Mason Gormont

            DBA’s are stressful because, the content is tested randomly. A majority of the stress would be relieved if i was old what to review and not to just review. It makes people anxious when they have the opportunity to fail or mess up, but it makes people even more anxious when they barely know how to prepare for what they are about to fail or mess up on.

      2. sue

        That happened to me too and a text to a parent saying I wasn’t ready when I had fifteen pages of notes, I missed one question. These are great tips but it doesn’t always work =(

        Reply
    2. April

      This seems a bit like an unnecessary pain in the neck, but how would I know? I’m about to enter my first one ever

      Reply
      1. Hi

        True I always turn in test until there’s no more to do bc I’m just stalling I have a fab in a hour an I have to study 60 questions but she only askes 3 so I’m just gonna look it up Thisbe time then study afterwards ☹️

        Reply
  2. Aaliyah

    Very helpful article! I definitely hold off my DBA’s for as long as possible because I’m always so nervous! :3

    Reply
  3. Jack

    I hate the idea of DBAs but I understand why they’re there. I still dread them though and I hate that I can’t actually see the person I’m speaking to.

    Reply
      1. FLVSFLVS

        For those students who feel more comfortable seeing their teacher, using video in Elluminate (Blackboard Collaborate) like teachers do for Live Lessons or a similar tool should be possible! Talk to your instructor about other options!

        Reply
  4. Master TT

    Although I am not scared of DBA’s I still think that most teachers take off points for the most smallest detail of the module

    Reply
  5. Joy

    This article was a little helpful. I still do not understand the purpose of the DBA , if we take a review/practice test before and after the module . Why are we required or having to do the DBA? I feel as if its putting more pressure on the student(s) than there should actually be . I am one of those students who will procrastinate at something if i am not willing to do it , and the DBA/phone calls with my teacher is one of them.

    -Joy Rich-Bond

    Reply
    1. Acelyne godshall

      I am so with you! I struggle with a anxiety anf being put on the spot all the information leaves my head. Then teachers think i do not know the information but i do! It is really terrifying and i shake and cant stop thinking about them if i know i have them that day:(

      Reply
      1. FLVSFLVS

        If you (or other students) are still struggling with anxiety over DBAs, send your teacher a text or email to let them know. They can make accommodations or make it a point to give you the extra time or help you need. It’s natural to be a little nervous before any exam, so they understand!

        Reply
    2. katelyn kiss

      😄 A DBA is used so a teacher can make sure the student is doing eveything right and understands it!😁 Even though there are practice test it just helps I guess!

      Reply
  6. Skylar

    As someone who suffers from anxiety (with phone calls being the strongest trigger of it), DBA’s are, for lack of a better word, terrifying for me. I understand the purpose for these on-the-spot quizzes, but feel there should be an alternate assignment for those of us who are literally on the brink of tears whenever we have a DBA coming up and spend at least an hour going through all the worst possible outcomes of these calls as we frantically study an ENTIRE MODULE with very little direction. DBA study guides that we are provided with are usually practically useless, in my experience. Perhaps a live lesson session could serve as an alternative to DBA’s.
    However, I do understand that phone calls are a good way for teachers to connect with students on a better personal level. I actually do find the teachers to be kind, helpful, and enjoyable to speak with if there wasn’t the added stress of feeling unprepared and fearing that I studied all the wrong things. At the very least, it seems fair to narrow down the subjects that will be covered during the DBA, which some teachers do. When I know specifically what to be prepared for, it alleviates most of the nerves. I know the teachers are there to help, and I know they want us to succeed. But no matter how many times I tell myself that, and no matter how many successful DBA’s I have, they will always be my only source of stress and anxiety regarding online schooling.
    I know I am not the only one who feels this way, and I assume the kind staff of FLVS are aware of that, or they would not have taken the time to write this article in an attempt to calm and assist us. However, I am afraid that as long as DBA’s exist in their current form, students will always procrastinate them and be afraid of them. Sorry for being so long-winded, but this is something that has been on my mind for the past 4 years of taking online classes through FLVS. I thoroughly enjoy your courses; the assignments, for the most part, are intriguing and enjoyable, so please take the time to polish the DBA system to make it at the very least, more tolerable for students.

    Reply
      1. Catherine

        I have a DBA in one hour for math. My teacher is so sweet but I have been trying to use the useless DBA study guide and I do not understand why students have to through that. I get that some students cheat and you want to make sure other students are not, but there gotta be another way.

        Reply
        1. Jewel

          Like all notes are irrelevant. My teacher is sweet but my anxiety is just railing me over the edge. Like please just put down what were gonna have to review in these modules.

          Reply
    1. FLVSFLVS

      Live lesson sessions are now an option! For any other students who prefer an alternative to talking on the phone, talk to your teacher. If you think you’d be more comfortable answering questions following another format, they can offer a different solution.

      Reply
    2. Hailey L.

      DBA’s are just verbal tests that show your teacher what you know. Try your best and study hard. Take notes in your lessons. Think of it as a regular test, accept you speak in this one. This should be a little more relaxing than an actual test. You can always reschedule this one too, so you can have a second chance to look at notes. Write down passwords and which class they belong to. That will help. You can do it. Don’t overthink it. 🙂

      Reply
    3. Jas

      Yess I thought it was gonna be easy but hard then when I heard we gotta do dba I thought nothing of it then after my first one i figures this might be a problem I was only studying the guided notes an she didn’t ask me anything about what I was studying I felt stupid embarrassed an all do after that I study everything I understand why they do this but I still get very nervous of having to do it over but my math teacher I love him seriously all I had to do was click on dba on his homepage then it said this is what I’m going to ask you when we do talk an that helped a lot so I finished his class like 2 months before everything else bc it was that easy if every teacher was like him I would die of happiness but no they only tell you what you should do right an how many points you’ll get nothing else I got a dba in like a hour an I’m so lost rn I can’t even reschedule she’s booked for the whole week an I got nothing to turn in ughhh this is my first dba with this new teacher an idk she seems nice but we’ll see in an hour ig wish me luck ?

      Reply
      1. Alexander

        yeah, i thought one of my teacher was going to be nice as well, but she docked my 8 points because I did not include enough information (I guess she wanted more than 4 sentences?) I wish I had teachers that told me what the DBA was going to contain, even just the main topics!

        Reply
        1. anonymous

          totally agree. i really wish we were given a study guide because my teacher asks questions that are about things multiple modules ahead of what we’re actually learning. some of my teachers give us questions that we need to answer to guide us on the way, but others (like math) i have nothing to go off of. i seriously think flvs has to make some changes to the system of dbas. they are the scariest thing ever. even worse than finals.

          Reply
    4. Janie

      I agree. I also have an anxiety disorder. When I had to do my Chemistry dba I broke down in tears and I felt like all that I had learned, just drained straight out of my head. I have all A’s and B’s in my classes and I spend hours reviewing, studying, and completing my homework, yet when I have a dba, I get so nervous that all the info I learned just leaves my mind and makes it seem like I don’t understand the material. These dbas are causing me to push back all of my work because I get so anxious about doing them. FLVS, please consider making a more student-friendly alternative to dbas. They just cause unnecessary stress and anxiety that a good amount of students have transitioned to online school just to avoid.

      Reply
    5. Anonymous

      I struggle with social anxiety, and the DBAs have become a huge trigger for me. I almost passed out during my last one, so I very much feel for you! I too wish that there was a narrowed down amount of topics we should prepare for. I always feel like I’m searching in the dark for all the important topics but have no idea which ones those are. I understand the point of having these oral assignments, but I wish there was an alternative that did not involve having to talk to someone live. Because of my anxiety over the calls, I’ve procrastinated so much that I’m 6 weeks behind in my lessons and I can only hope I will be able to finish in time. I’m a straight A student, and I hate that my grade might be affected by something that I cannot control.

      Reply
      1. FLVSFLVS

        Your teachers want you to succeed! Don’t hesitate to reach out to them by email to let them know when you are nervous or if you need more time. You can also try practicing short phone or video sessions to feel more comfortable when it comes time for your DBA. Hope this helps!

        Reply
  7. Nira

    One thing that helps me through the DBA’s is knowing that if I fail, it isn’t the end of the world. I can always reschedule and try again. It also makes me feel better when a teacher explains things to me instead of just lowering my grade. I’ve had a few teachers who ask a question, wait for an answer, and don’t really make conversation, so its nerve-wrecking and awkward. But I do appreciate the teachers who really try to help. 🙂

    Reply
  8. Anonymous

    I literally had an asthma attack during my DBA I never feel as terrified as to DBA’S and a lot of times I keep hearing my teachers sigh through the phone as I am trying to answer a question and my confidence level drains all the way down. I complete all study guides and study very well yet they seem to always never ask what is in the study guide but rather their own almost like word question type of questions I hate it , we all hate it, take it out. My Geometry teacher has done Live Lesson DBA’s and I felt 1000 times better. PLEASE RE CONSIDER YOUR DBA SYSTEM FLVS .

    Reply
    1. FLVSFLVS

      We’re glad your Geometry teacher was able to make things easier through live lessons. Maybe your other teachers would be willing to do something similar? Let them know you’re stressed and want to be as well-prepared as possible. Teachers really just want to make sure you know the material, but they may also be able to make accommodations so you aren’t as stressed.

      Reply
    2. Jade

      My teacher tends to sigh a lot too and it also makes my confidence drain. This just makes me nervous and more stressed. My teacher also tries to rush me and barely gives me time to think about how to answer. She always goes, “Hello?? Hello????” And I have to continue to repeat that i’m still working and that makes me feel slow and incompetent.

      Reply
      1. Julissa

        Mine does too and it is harder to concentrate when there are outside noises. I had to close my room door just so I could try to hear my instructor, but sometimes I don’t understand her. Then the next thing I know they will be like “Okay lets just skip to the next question.” And I like to take my time on stuff like this, especially talking to someone I physically do not know at all. But also, when I was about to ask them a question, they suddenly said “Okay go back and go through the module again, then call me back later.” And I was so confused and said “Okay” but she already hung up, so now I am frustrated and I feel as though I am not smart enough to know these questions and answer them correctly.

        Reply
        1. FLVSFLVS

          We can see how this would be frustrating! If you’re in an environment that makes it hard to pay attention and you need to move to a new location (or maybe even reschedule your DBA), don’t be afraid to tell your teacher! It can be easy to get distracted and sometimes things happen. If you’re having a hard time hearing the teacher in general, tell them that too. Then the teacher can make sure that he or she is speaking clearly or that the phone’s mic is working properly. Once in awhile, teachers may just not realize that you didn’t get the time you needed or that you weren’t feeling supported. Don’t hesitate to drop them an email afterward to let them know you felt a little frustrated or that you got nervous or wanted more time to answer. Then next time they can be sure to give you the time you need. Communication can go a long way! If you’re feeling like your DBAs are always rushed or you’re frustrated with the way a specific teacher handles them, you can always reach out to the Principal/Instructional Leader to share this feedback. We hope this helps!

          Reply
        2. Anonymous

          Look FLVS, you posted this on February 23, 2017. 2017!!!!!!! It is currently over 2 years later, and there has been no changes. I know that you intend to make your students happy, but there is 145 comments on here when I post this, and there is only 1 or 2 people out of at least 100 students, (some are FLVS texts) meaning at best, 2% of students like DBA’s. Now, I get why DBA’s are there, but when are you going to try to change it. Even if you have tried, well first off we need proof at the very least, and then even if then the state or something says you still need proof that it is us doing the work, you can make it so that instead of phone calls, you can do it in live lesson format without having to pry it out of your teacher that you can do live lesson format, and in live lesson format, you can take up to as much time as you need, and if the teacher feels that there don’t want to watch and wait on there student, they can leave until the student raises there virtual hand when THE STUDENT feels they are ready to have there best answer on the blackboard. That way everyone is happy, instead of both teachers and students dreading DBA’s.

          Reply
  9. Alexis

    DBA’s do seem to cause a lot of anxiety for students, and do not seem as helpful as they may be harmful. From personal experience, I dreaded all my DBA’s and wished that there was an alternative.

    Reply
  10. Sarah

    I am approaching my first DBA which will be in my Life Management Skills Class. I am sooo nervous!! I’ve never taken online school before, and I’m only doing it now so I can take a different elective instead of Health next year. How should I prepare for a DBA? I am really scared (and clueless).

    Reply
  11. Sarah

    I have my first FLVS DBA coming up and I’m so nervous! I feel like I don’t know the material well at all, and I know I’m going to be up all night the day before studying (the class is Honors World History).

    Reply
  12. Trish

    I have finished every single assignment in my Parenting skills class except for the Mid-term, the DBA before it, the final exam, and the DBA before that. The only thing holding me back from finishing my class is these pesky DBA’s, and I’ve been putting them off so much that its now the summer and its even harder to motivate myself to tackle them. As yet another student drawn to this article because of social anxiety, I agree that the DBAs should at least have an alternative of some sort. I actually thought about telling my teacher I had physically lost my voice in order to try and get an alternative…

    Reply
  13. Hanna Binnicker

    I am currently a senior and I have been taking FLVS classes since the start of my seventh grade year. Throughout my time I have had almost nothing but great experiences. With that being said discussion based assessments are the primary reason I would quit taking online classes, due how nervous they make me. If the purpose of discussion based assessments are to make sure that students are ready for the upcoming test why can’t the format be changed since so many students are complaining about it. My suggestion is that students are required to take a review test worth a small amount of points, and if they score below a certain amount on it they are required to schedule a DBA in order to ensure readiness.

    Reply
    1. FLVSFLVS

      Thanks for the suggestion Hanna! DBAs are one of the ways we ensure academic integrity (and make sure that it’s actually you doing the work). This means teachers still need to hear directly from you! Do you think you might be more comfortable if it was done through a live lesson or a video call instead of over the phone?

      Reply
      1. Leah

        I would feel more comfortable doing a live lesson rather than a DBA. I hate talking on the phone even if it is to people I know and it really stresses me out.

        Reply
      2. Hope Gratzer

        Yes, yes, yes! I have noticed a lot of other people said that they would prefer that. Personally, I like live lessons myself. I like to work at a fast pace because I had a surgery that caused me to fall behind in public school so I switched to flvs. Unfortunately, these DBAs leave me studying for hours on end to get a good grade and I’m most likely switching back to public school because of them.

        Reply
      3. Alexander

        Flvs, I would feel best if what Hanna said was done, do a review test wrong, mabye 5 or 10 points at the most, so that your grade does not fall half a point if you get too low a score on the DBA, maybe do a live lesson with a quiz on board, and I at least, feel that that would remove stress levels a lot, as I always end of studying pointlessly for hours, half of that time dreading what happens if i miss 1 tiny scrap of info, as if it is live lesson, at least I will be able to see my teachers expression, and if it is worth 5 – 10 points instead of 50 or more, If I do not remember every scrap of info, I will not then lose my A, or even just get the red lesson in my gradebook (I get legit stress at every red colored lesson) so that I do not freak out. Anyway, I would feel best if you did something about this.

        Reply
        1. Paris Batista

          I 100% agree with having a bunch of students do a live lesson rather than individual DBAs. I’ve gotten panic attacks, I’ve cried, and by the end of them, I’m usually is a pool of sweat. I do not think DBAs are in any way helping students, I think that it overly stresses a student out. Especially in terms of teachers, some teachers are very helpful to get you through a DBA but, my Spanish 2 teacher is the opposite. If I get something wrong, she just says no that’s wrong, and rarely explains the actual answer. She just tells me that I should know the information. SHe doesn’t help me to understand the work. I would love it if there were only Live Lessons instead of DBAs.

          Reply
          1. Nevaeh

            I 100% agree. I am aware that I am smart and that I most likely will pass. However, DBAs aren’t healthy for my mental health AT ALL and from the looks of it, it’s not working for anyone else either. I understand, they want to be sure we are doing our work but mental health comes first. Live sessions make things worse because we already have a fear of talking with them but being face to face is only making the anxiety rise. Normally for my dbas I can’t sleep the night before, I won’t eat, I’m constantly sweating, and rereading over everything I’ve studied. But we never know what they are going to ask so how are we going to know what to write for notes? This is (for me) Flvs’s biggest problem that either needs a better alternative or just reduce your dbas.

  14. Lyric

    I hate DBAs im not going to lie. I secretly do love learning all the stuff I do from online classes and I’ll do assignment after assignment no big deal. But I’ll procrastinate an entire day when I have to do DBAs I get so nervous, even if I do well on all the tests and reviews I end up forgetting everything. It’s like the test anxiety I get at my actual school. I do wish there was an alternative where I could learn rather than answer on the spot questions. That would be a lot less stressful.

    Reply
  15. Daisha Holmes

    No if it were video chat that would be even worse for me! I have a back to back DBA in History and overtime I talk to my teacher I say umm and freeze and don’t say anything and I’m not a shy person at ally in general I love talking but for some reason it’s weird idk my teacher so I don’t know how to react he is a good teacher but that doesn’t help my anxiety!!!

    Reply
  16. maria

    Well i have a DBA in like 2hours for physical science and i am so scared. I always get nervous doing these oral exams. I remember having to drop out of a class and get withdrawn from another because i would always try to avoid the DBA’S. If it were face to face i would’ve never done flvs. I love talking and I’m not that shy but when it comes to a teacher asking you questions i panic.

    Reply
  17. Samy

    I am a student, and each summer I take a FLVS class and the DBAs are literally the worst. I am a social person and I love talking to literally anyone, however, the pressure that is put on me and other students makes you not want to even complete the course or the assignment left and it gets to the point where I dread logging on. If the point is to enforce the skills and make sure the students are understanding then there are better ways to accomplish this task. Having to let the stress build up for a 25 minute conversation about a whole chapter seems outdated and not effective, considering my personally experiences.

    Reply
  18. jasmin q.

    i have a question i took this course when it was summer and i just finished middle school and I’m in high school and i take algebra 1 but in the online course I’m taking pre-algebra can i just drop out of the course since i don’t need it? I’m not done yet but can i do that?????? thx.

    Reply
  19. Ash

    I just got done with a DBA, mind you I didn’t finish it because my teacher was crammed with students that needed to take them. I got through the first question and she had to let me go. Which I am fine with. I hate DBAs. I take forever to answer the question because I am trying to write them down to understand it better, taking a foreign language by the way, since I can read it better than hear it. I do decently in the class but then I almost break down over DBAs. I know that a live session or an in person DBA would be even worse because then I would be more stressed seeing their eyes on me the whole time. Learning a language is super hard for me, I end up with major headaches on some assignments and if this is the kind of stress that is going to be put on me through the whole class, I am nearly tempted to quit. That would mean quitting on my dream to become a vet since the university I am going to requires two years of a foreign language. Why? I have no idea.

    Reply
  20. B

    I’m new to Flvs and I had my very first DBA today and it was for algebra 2 and I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t know the first question and didn’t understand the second question. Then they asked me if I read the lesson or just skimmed through it and it felt like they were accusing me of not reading the lesson. By that time my voice was shaky because I was trying to hold back tears. When we ended the call I bursts into tears. Eventually I calmed my self down. Then later today I was thinking about my DBA tomorrow for chemistry, I bursts into tears again, freaking out telling myself that I can’t over and over again. I have an IEP that states that I get extra time on work and tests but there’s no way I can get extra time on DBAs. I don’t think I’m ever going to be able to do DBAs with out bursting into tears. And I can’t go back to public school because I travel to much for dance. I’m tearing again right now just thinking about my DBA tomorrow.

    Reply
    1. FLVSFLVS

      Oh no, that’s no good! 🙁 We want you to feel supported and encouraged by your teachers, so maybe we can help. Please reach out to us so we can talk a little bit more about this! Send us a message on Facebook or Twitter or email socialmedia@flvs.net.

      Reply
      1. Juliana

        My very first DBA was in Algebra 2 as well!! When I was preparing for it there were two Module 1 questions they had provided which I wrote down and answered in my notebook. Keep in mind that I’ve always been very good at math, and had gotten a 100 on the module 1 practice test without even touching my notes. Knowing all of this, I thought I would do well on my DBA, but it was literally the worst DBA I’ve ever had. Most questions the teacher asked had nothing to do with the questions I used to prepare for it. The questions asked didn’t make sense to me even when I asked the teacher to repeat them twice, and there was no actual problem-solving that had to be done (in other words, it was very different and didn’t prepare me in any way for the actual test). Thankfully, the teacher was very nice during the call. With that experience I learned that when completing an Algebra 2 DBA, what really mattered is how many notes you have available, not the actual knowledge you acquired. All I can do is hope that those DBAs are much more different now.

        Now I’m taking Pre-Calculus and the DBAs are 1000 times better. I do walk-in DBAs and the questions are available for me to read on my computer screen and the teacher leaves me alone for a few minutes to answer them. One of the biggest differences is that rather than being asked questions on the spot, I have time to think through how I want to answer a question. And most important of all, I actually have to solve math problems (which is what the test will ask me to do) in order to complete the DBA. I feel so much more comfortable preparing and completing the DBAs!

        Reply
  21. Kat

    I’m glad there’s other people out there who feel the same way about DBAs! I think there should be alternative assignments for students who struggle with doing the phone calls. Please consider this!

    Reply
  22. Student.

    No matter what people say, I believe DBAs will always be scary. FLVS should have REAL DBA study guides for students who struggle with anxiety, nervousness and etc. (even just for regular students). It should include around 10 questions the teacher might ask and the student can prepare on those topics before talking to their teacher. I find it funny after reading all these comments how FLVS has still not made any changes with DBA to help the students who actually have serious problems. The concept of DBAs is reasonable, but please consider study guides with questions the teachers may ask, seriously.

    Reply
  23. Amaris

    I’m a VERY VERY shy person so DBAs are like going on a 9000000000 ft. tall rollercoaster! But, this helped calm my nerves down for my DBA today.

    Reply
  24. Ashley Zaldivar

    After reading these comments, I feel a little better knowing am not the only one that goes through this. But I highly recommend that flvs changes DBA’s to live lessons. It would be such a great way to help students learn and relieve stress. Please flvs!! I am a freshman who started my first year of homeschooling and I want to go back to school . We should find a way to make it comfortable for everyone.

    Reply
  25. Sophia

    I hate hate hate DBA’s I have had anxiety attacks over them. I have one today that I have been putting off for a long time. I have never done a DBA live. How does it work and why do you like them better/ don’t like them?

    Reply
  26. Sami

    After reading these comments, I no longer feel like I am the only one who dislikes DBA’s. I have a French 2 DBA ina couple minutes. In my opinion, there is so many ways this can be revised and bettered. For example, a study guide of the possible questions that may be asked would ease my, and everyone else’s anxiety. This is my second year doing FLVS, and DBA’s are my biggest nightmare.Last year I was able to do live lessons for my French DBA’s and I felt I learned easier and got more enjoyment from the subjects, because I didn’t have the stress of a DBA. I complain to my parents and friends about having to do them, because it will be an all-day stress. I do understand the academic integrity involved. But, live lessons or even a study guide would help tremendously.

    Reply
  27. Harley

    Ugh and just finished my last DBA well not really? I answered all the questions to best ability, so of them were personal ones about my family and my achievements? Its a parenting skills class and I need to take flvs to graduate. I have horrible anxiety and really tried, but my teacher wouldn’t give me my exam password, until she talks to my dad because she feels my on the spot answers were different from the ones I wrote down. I dont know how anyone could remember everything exactly on the spot? Or even give the same information when you haven’t even looked at the module in weeks because you’ve been procrastinating about the dbas. I wish there was a simple written alternative, instead.

    Reply
  28. Mandy

    How is a voice on the phone proof of academic integrity when it could be anyone? A friend taking a similar class at public school willing to do them a favor, for example.

    Reply
    1. FLVSFLVS

      Teachers will be referencing the work you have done and speaking to students (and parents) multiple times throughout the course, so there is a common thread of communication that helps teachers connect a face (or voice) to the same student they see (or hear) in live lessons and through submitted work.

      Reply
  29. dana

    i would rather be dropped to be honest the only reason i complete them is because they end up calling my parents. i love learning just not talking on the phone or talking to people which is why im in online classes.

    Reply
  30. Cassie

    A little late to the party, but I just wanted to say, I completely agree with those who said we should be able to choose either DBA or Live Lesson. I am another student with anxiety, and let me tell you, I count down the exact minutes until my teachers are supposed to call, and make sure I have my notes out, the course pulled up, etc. I have never told my teachers that DBA’s make me nervous. However, when I get on the phone, my voice is audibly shaky. I also have a hard time deciding things, so for my teachers on the phone to make me pick a topic to review/a fictional character to apply psychological disorders to is hard. I actually prefer when the teacher chooses those kinds of things. I also cannot stand the dead silence on the other end of the phone as I’m struggling to remember something and start nervously laughing.
    I ended up taking a year (summer to summer) to finish one class because I dreaded the DBAs. One thing I would recommend, is if FLVS is so bent on keeping the concept around, don’t make the grade about how well you know the material. Make it a completion grade. Your teacher can advise you to look back over certain questions, give you tips, and not give you the test password until they feel you are ready. I always hang up after DBA’s feeling completely drained and nervous because I had to ask what something meant again or how to graph something properly. I usually cry and can’t get myself to do much for a bit. Then, to log on and see that, after all that work and anxiety and panic that I only got a 60% because I missed a couple things that I thought the teacher would work WITH me on… it’s just awful. I hope I never have to take online classes again, as I can’t stand them.
    Please change this one aspect to better suit the kids you are trying to see succeed!

    Reply
    1. Angela

      Every single thing you said here is literally the FLVS experience. I go through the SAME exact thing! DBA’s literally make me cry. I am an introvert. I rather write out my feelings than talk to someone about them. Same applies to my work. I feel like a failure when I try so hard to study and I get a bad grade anyways because I didn’t know what questions they were going to ask me. I have literally laid in bed crying, stressing and being overwhelmed over the fact that I failed at something I prepared for. Like things on the study guides are not even what they ask majority of the time. This one time I guess I did awfully and my teacher just said try next time and that’s it. However, I texted her hours later after my breakdown and mentioned how I’ve been stressed and just told the truth. My next try she asked me easier questions due to my needs and I was ok. I was proud of myself because I did a good job.

      Reply
  31. cheyenne Perry

    Reading all these comments makes me feel better knowing that im not the only one of struggles with DBA’S and have anxiety with them in just a few mins ill be doing a DBA for spanish which im stressing out so badly because I can’t speak spanish good but after reading these i feel so much better about myself

    Reply
  32. Sarah

    I have a DBA in a few minutes and I’m having an anxiety attack. Everyone I take my teacher is rude and when I don’t know the answer they sigh and right away say their gonna call my parents. They never explain the answer to me even when I ask they just say i need to study more and that’s it. I wish there was another way to do them or just not have them at all.

    Reply
  33. sam

    I have to take meds for my anxiety because it’s unmanageable and I have finished literally everything for my algebra class, except he DBA’s.. I finished it all in month and since then I’ve only done 2 DBA’s and cried before and after. I was supposed to take he module 3 DBA half an hour ago but I went into an anxiety attack and couldn’t do it.. I seriously think there should be an alternative, and not just one that includes my voice or face, but maybe like an instant messenger, that would be a great alternative in my opinion, and though it’s still on the spot, I don’t have to freak myself out.. I can still stay calm and do everything the same as over the phone, but instead of my voice, they get my messages! Is there a way to recommend that to anyone?

    Reply
    1. FLVSFLVS

      Yes, definitely! Talk to your teacher about this. If you struggle with anxiety, that’s really helpful for the teacher to know so they can do everything they can to help. You can discuss other alternatives, including IM (skype), facetime, or other options.

      Reply
  34. Angela

    I was actually here looking for a policy of how late is too late for a teacher to not call for a DBA. I hate not knowing what questions there will be because it is too much pressure for me to answer up front questions. There are so many students here who are giving feedback and FLVS is not making those changes. One of the students made a valid point about the way DBA’s are graded. FLVS said themselves that DBA’s act as a review…. but the teachers treat it as a oral test. If it was considered a review we, students, should be able to be graded on completion/participation and not what we know. If we do not know something the teachers can advise us what we can do to learn the topic better. DBA’s are overrated. I like them because I get to ask my teacher why I got something wrong, but I don’t like them because they are too nerve wrecking and dysfunctional.

    Reply
  35. Latin Student

    I’m close to finishing my second course with FLVS. Last year, I took Latin 1. This year, I took Latin 2, because I enjoyed the former so much.
    My Latin 1 teacher was a sweet and caring woman. She had the sort of voice that evoked images of apple pie cooling on a window sill, and the questions that she asked were neither too difficult, nor too lenient — if you got it wrong, she explained it to you, and you always left knowing that you both knew that you’d learned what you needed to learn. She was a kind and good-natured human being.

    I cannot say the same for my Latin 2 teacher. He is curt, and his voice is a very pressing one. I concede that he makes certain that his students are learning, but there is little kindness — and I say this in fear of sounding as if I’m exaggerating, but I must stand by it — or humanity.
    Six months ago I had my first DBA with him. His were nothing like my last teacher’s, and the course did not tell me what to expect. He was UPSET at my not knowing exactly what he was looking for with respect to DBAs, which, of course, made me feel as if I were the failure of the communication. Logic tells me that I wasn’t, but my emotions could not acquiesce to the insistence of my logic. Every DBA since has been a nightmare.
    I go entire days worrying about the DBA that’s to come in the evening. I go to brick and mortar school and can hardly push the thought and the dread out of my mind. Understand this: though I know that I know the material, I can never go into the DBAs calmly. I feel nothing but an adrenaline buzz, all day long, until it is over. Then, I tell myself, “Oh, now I have a few weeks respite until the next meeting with the devil.”

    My Latin 2 teacher, make no mistake, is a good teacher. But he is not a kind man. But, surely, being kind and being a good teacher cannot be mutually exclusive qualities — can they?

    FLVS teachers work very hard. They work long hours and can never be certain if their students are cheating — and they have many, many students. They’re very stressed-out human beings. I know, though, from experience, that they’re not all mean people as a result of their working conditions. I’ve had a kind instructor. I’ve had an unkind instructor. As a senior in high school, Latin 2 will be my final FLVS course, and, if I can help it, it will be my final online course, ever. Latin 2 has deterred me permanently from taking online courses, and it has scarred my love of language — but not indelibly. I’ve studied through three years of French and have taught myself Spanish, and Latin, save my current instructor, has been an absolute joy. But I will never recommend this course, to anyone, and all because of those nasty little DBAs.

    Change the system. Students 1) procrastinate, 2) feel extremely uncomfortable, and, 3) lose motivation, passion, and love for subjects when subjected to these verbal tests. FIND A SOLUTION, I BEG OF YOU. I do not speak for myself; I am waiting for my teacher to grade my final exam, and then, I will be done, completely, with FLVS. I am free of DBAs, forever. But other people are not, and that is why I am taking the time, now, to ask the powers that be to do something about this. I am an outgoing person. I have never been diagnosed with anxiety problems — indeed, I have never felt so anxious over academia until this course began for me. There’s something about this sort of situation in itself that seems to bring out the worst kind of nervousness in human beings. I do not know what it is, but we ought to stop it.

    I found this topic by chance, after reflecting over how much stress the DBAs have caused me over the past half-year. I’m glad that I am not unique in my struggles. I am also glad to be able to articulate my thoughts on what I know is a flawed system in a place where others can read them. I cannot be certain, though, that my words will be heeded. May providence or fate or whatever or whomever you, the reader, believe in be kind to you as you march forward with these dreadful DBAs.

    Reply
    1. FLVSFLVS

      This is a very thoughtful comment and we truly appreciate the time you have taken to share your experience and feedback. While the DBA experience may vary slightly between teachers, our forms of assessment are always under discussion and this provides valuable insight to share with our leadership team and the Instructional Leader for this course. After having a positive experience, we’re so sorry to hear that your most recent course has been a more negative one; this is certainly something we want to prevent and address.

      Reply
      1. Hi

        Right I have a dba in 30 mins an I’m slowly forgetting everything I learned in like a month don’t u just hate when they ask a question an you don’t know an start lookin through your notes but there dead silence on the other sid an when I get it wrong they seem annoyed like I’m crying bc irk if I studied the right thing or Am I wrong bc I gets A on my test but don’t on my dba so they think I’m lookin up the answers so that get me really scared an my family clowns me bc I do this voice over the phone I sound like a baby an a grandma at the same time it’s bc I’m nervous an tired ?

        Reply
  36. Cindy Gonzalez

    I have three DBA’s to complete today and I could not be more nervous. I try to postpone DBA’s till I am required to do it by my teachers asap. I get really nervous over the phone and my brain shuts down completely. I’m aware that the authrities answer the students who want a change in the system. All you simply do is agree. But no change takes place at all. With all due respect to the authorities of flvs, you should not agree to something if change is not going to take place. Think about the students. I would fully enjoy being home schooled at flvs if it weren’t for the DBA calls required up to 4 times each segment. Please, try to make a change. Like it was mentioned before, maybe try a live lesson instead of a DBA or a video call. Take it in consideration. Thank you.

    Reply
  37. Julia Laresgoiti

    I just wanted to state that almost every single comment below states whether people procrastinate to do their DBA’s (me included) OR that they are just really nervous to complete them. I personally get anxiety attacks when i am on a call, so i always complete my assignments first, and leave the DBA’s till last. It is currently FEBRUARY and i have DBA’s that were supposed to be completed in NOVEMBER! Yes, i understand this is my responsibility but we all have reasons as to why we dont complete them, and most of us just want them to disappear! I think FLVS should have some sort of alternative to those who have real problems like anxiety, and high stress levels. i have tried to speak with my algebra teacher about this and she finally gave in and let me do a live lesson with her. I will NOT be doing FLVS next year DUE to DBA’s. Yes, that is how badly they have affected me. Step up your game FLVS!

    Reply
    1. Julia Laresgoiti

      I also forgot to say that i extremely enjoy learning and taking my classes. I have never enjoyed doing my assignments until i joined FLVS. You’re doing a great job with the classes, but the DBA’s are such a big factor of this school that they have prevented me from joining this school for another year. You always agree that these dreadful calls are nerve-wrecking, yet we all see no change whatsoever. I believe that in the future, if you do not change this, you will be losing students just like myself. I cannot be the only one who thinks like this.

      Reply
      1. Nicole

        Your aren’t the only one I know exactly how you feel. I am the same way. I feel like my teachers hate me well atleaste some of them..

        Reply
  38. Julissa

    For my DBA’s, I’d rather have the instructor send the questions to me and I would call them to answer it because sometimes it is hard to understand what she is saying the first time I called her. So now I am nervous on calling my Driver’s ed instructor because I don’t know what questions she is going to ask and if I’ll remember them or not. So I’m just suggesting that instead of the instructor asking me questions to text them to me instead.

    Reply
    1. FLVSFLVS

      Sometimes it helps to have a study guide or a little prep time. Even though the teacher probably can’t give you all of the questions ahead of time, they can definitely give you an idea of what to expect. Talk to your teacher to discuss the possibilities and determine if this (or something similar) is an option! Some students are also more comfortable answering questions using the same format as a live lesson or something like skype.

      Reply
  39. Lee Anne

    With my Chinese teacher, I will wait until there is no other option but to call. It’s terrifying, DBA’s alone are enough to send me into a panic, but add on the harshness of a language and a teacher who scares me, the day I have to to a DBA is often the worst day of the week.

    Reply
    1. FLVSFLVS

      Speaking the language is a great way to practice, but let your teacher know if you would rather do your DBA “face to face” in a live lesson environment. Your teacher is there to support you! If you’re not feeling like that’s the case, this is valuable feedback you can share with the Principal or Instructional Leader. But first, be sure to let your teacher know how you feel or how they can help!

      Reply
  40. Rhi

    I understand why teachers have students do DBA’s, but personally, I feel like they should not be required. I also understand that most people get “stressed” when it’s time to take an exam, but having anxiety is more extreme than a little bit of stress, anxiety is a mental illness. Whenever I do DBA’s it results in an anxiety attack and it’s very embarrassing and humiliating. I decided to take online classes because my anxiety was interfering with my work in public school. In middle school, I wasn’t required to take DBA’s, but now in my high school classes it’s required and I feel like there should be an alternative. Is it possible to do a DBA over messaging instead of having to video call or phone call a teacher? If there is not a choice to do this, then there definitely should be. Not to mention teachers say that the DBA’s act as a “review” and that it’s a casual discussion to help with your exam, but these discussions are graded and they mark you down if you miss a small thing. In my anatomy class, these discussions are worth almost 40 points on just a 10-15 minute call, it just doesn’t seem right to me. I’m not trying to be rude for the most part I enjoy my FLVS classes but I wish there was a way to make these DBA’s not a requirement.

    Reply
    1. FLVSFLVS

      Yes, there are alternatives! Ask your teacher about answering questions in a live lesson environment. If you are having anxiety and this was a concern for you in traditional school, be sure to mention this to your teacher (or have your parent/guardian talk to them) to see what other options are possible.

      We’re currently working on arranging a Facebook Live Q&A about DBAs to help students understand their options when it comes to discussion-based assessments – and to make them a little less intimidating. Stay tuned for more info!

      Reply
  41. Ben Hale

    I always get the nerves before doing a DBA but I am fortunate enough that my instructor will not let me fail, if she has to explain the whole module to me again she will. My FLVS instructor is more then a teacher to me, she is a friend and someone I trust. She is not just here to talk about math, anything that I am struggling with she is here to talk about. Just remember when you are about to do a DBA, don’t be afraid to ask questions and don’t be afraid to be yourself. Your teacher is here for you and wants to see you succeed and won’t give up on you!! For all of you that are struggling with the anxiety of DBA’s keep your head up, be brave and stay strong, the whole FLVS community believes in you and they want the best for your education.

    Reply
  42. Sarah

    How does a group DBA or live lesson work exactly? For the people who have done this; is it less intimidating? I have one coming up this Friday and it’s going to last a full hour and I’m terrified.

    Reply
    1. FLVSFLVS

      Think about it being a little bit more like answering questions in a traditional classroom setting. Don’t be nervous, your teacher is there to help if you need them! Be sure to share your feedback with them if there is something you think he or she could do differently.

      Reply
  43. Lidia

    Talking over the phone has always been hard for me but the more I do the DBA’s and get it over with the more comfortable I am becoming with talking on the phone.
    It’s really hard and maybe a bit scary at first but the more you do it the more you get used to it and it isn’t as bad.

    Reply
  44. lauren

    Hi i am about to take a dba in math and i am sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo scared i feel like so helpless i am there for everyone who is legit having an anxiety attack because there dba is coming bc that’s how i feel. i am doing 6th grade math mod 4 and mod 4 is coordinate plane i stink at the coordinate plane i have knots in my stomach and i have butterflies when i talk i feel i am so so so scared i am just going to cramp up in front of my teacher and i am sososososososososososoosososoos scared that i am going to to have to say ” i don’t know”’bc that is my worst fear in the entire world

    Reply
    1. FLVSFLVS

      Hi Lauren! Don’t be nervous…you’ve got this! Remember that your teacher is there to help. We’re actually hosting a Facebook Live Q&A about DBAs next Wednesday too! This is your chance to share your feedback, ask questions, and talk to other students about discussion-based assessments. Find more info and other great tips in our new blog post about DBAs here: http://blog.flvs.net/would-you-rather-the-dentist-or-a-dba.

      Reply
  45. Anonymous

    How about trying to do a dba for algebra 2 honors when you pretty much have no idea what your even doing. It’s dreadful I have like 4 dba’s just sitting in my assignments folder right now. I was told by my teacher if i do poorly on one more I have to take a state administered academic integrity test. And if I fail I get kicked out of my class. So dba’s are not always something you can just learn to do.

    Reply
  46. Anonymous

    I have social anxiety, it’s mostly the reason I’m doing online school. These DBA’s are absolutely horrible and very unnecessary. It’s gotten to the point where I’ll barely do an assignment a week just to put off the DBA’s. The very thought of doing one is enough to send me into tears. The last few DBA’s I’ve done ended with me having panic attacks. If I know I have a DBA coming up I’ll dread it days in advance.I really hope for future students, ones like me, that they won’t have to go through this.

    Reply
  47. Destiny

    Um so I just wanted to know do we get graded off of DBA and could they drop your grade? Also with the live sessions that could be a alternative, can our teachers see us like we can see them? I’m curious because I’d personally rather do a over the phone if I can be seen. I’m a super awkward person If I don’t know you so thats my reason for asking. Hope I get a reply from you FLVS!

    Reply
  48. Jessica

    So there’s been some posts about a student having anxiety because of DBAs and because of it they aren’t able to really do a DBA. I’m sort of glad that I’m not alone on this but is it possible for a teacher to refuse to give you an alternative? Like if that were to happen, what do I do?

    Reply
  49. Angie

    Is there a replacement for this? Any sort of conversation (Even with my family!)that isn’t text or physical, is very nerve racking for me. I am very anxious to talk to anyone on the phone or over Skype(or anything like Skype for that matter!) and this is stopping me from gaining any credits i will need for college! Is there any replacements I can use instead of calls?

    Reply
  50. Natalie

    I struggle with anxiety and the dba’s that we have to do cause so much nerves and added stress. I did a dba yesterday and due to my anxiety even though I have pages of notes I wrote to prepare me the information leaves my brain when im put on the spot. I could hear my teacher get frustrated which got me rushing through papers and tearing up, he then told me that this was embarrassing and I had no clue of the topic; even though I did have a clue because I was answeing some of the answer quick if they were fresh in my brain. I cried most of the day because I felt like I was stupid I believe there should be a alternative assignment for this because this is my first year doing online school and its been pretty stressful to say the least. Live lessons are so great because it gives you a classroom feel and you can write in the chat box to interact which if great, i feel live sessions should be aloud to be a alternative. I told my teacher about my anxiety and basically told be I’ll be fine and there was not other assignment to take it place which I find hard to believe. My teacher basically didn’t even recognize my anxiety which I was surprised they didn’t care, so if flvs can help me get a live session alternative or anything please reach out it would change my life. thanks

    Reply
    1. FLVSFLVS

      Hi Natalie! We’re sorry to hear you felt this way, but we’re here to help! Your teacher may be able to offer your DBA in a live lesson setting or another option. Learn more here in this blog post: https://blog.flvs.net/mastering-discussion-based-assessments-dbas/

      We can also help you get in touch with your Instructional Leader to share this feedback and ensure you are given options or alternative ways to communicate with your teacher for your DBA. Or you can reach out to your IL directly (their contact information will be on your teacher’s announcement page) to explain how you felt and what happened.

      Reply
  51. Angelina

    Right before my DBA, I had an anxiety attack so I had to abruptly cancel it. I usually cry before most of my DBA’s because I am so anxious, and sometimes my mind goes blank during it and my teacher gets impatient with me. It’s very tough for me to do, I wish there was some kind of alternative. What I usually do to calm down before DBA’s is I tell myself “it’s okay if you mess up, nobody’s perfect” or “I’m not the only one who feels this way, it’s normal”.

    Reply
  52. Pearl

    When ever I do DBA’s, my mind freezes and I can’t remember the correct answer to the question being asked, even when I have my notes. I just stumble through my words until I give up and have the teacher tell me, and then I smack myself, because I knew that. I’m not very good at talking with people in general, and I hate talking on the phone, and I feel like I make a big stupid fool of myself.

    Reply
  53. Kristy

    I have anxiety and not much confidence, so I wake up early in the morning to study EVERYTHING, but when I do the dba, it was really simple! My heart beat didn’t beat as fast after my third time, and the teacher was really nice when I couldn’t think of a name for a place! There were only a few questions and it didn’t feel like an interrogation. Even though the other teachers were nice, it’s burned in my mind about all the negative things and what ifs, but knowing it’s not bad still helps little by little!

    Reply
  54. Simon

    Same! What I have been doing is taking as careful notes and then I just forget when she/ he asks me! Now I just take notes and I think to myself, ” What’s the worst that can happen?” and that usually actually kinda helps a little. I just figure I won’t get any right, but I’ll just get my grade back up again.

    Reply
  55. Amanda

    What about if i’m spanish speaker? and I can not understand, what my teacher is talking about … that’s really Stressful

    Reply
  56. Samantha

    I’m going to leave the truth behind DBA’s. So I left FLVS and went through a different online program because of DBA’s. I graduated there and graduated college in January. I must say, out of 13 yrs in HS and 2 yrs in college, DBA’s were the worst most unnecessary tasks that I’ve ever completed. Seriously-they were worse than finals. It caused me so much anxiety during HS that I had to be put on anti-depressants/anxiety meds. Yeah, it was that bad. I had one particular algebra teacher who shouldn’t be teaching. Not saying names, but she is the only teacher I had issues with. She loved to be mean. I’m 21 now, and I still believe that to this day. (No, it wasn’t my angry teenage self thinking she was mean). She really was mean. She was not looking out for the best interest of her students. She just wanted to see the students fail, that simple. DBA’s did nothing but cause me anxiety. If I needed help, I would have set up a phone call myself. And the only reason they do DBA’s is to see if you’re cheating or not. It’s not for your use. I wouldn’t consider going through a FLVS school if they require DBA’s. It’s not worth the pressure. There are many other schools out there that don’t require this ridiculous crap.

    Reply
    1. FLVSFLVS

      Thanks for sharing your experience, Samantha. We really want students to see the DBA as more of an open conversation with their teacher, but we know they can be intimidating. Some of our students appreciate doing DBAs over a video call or in a live lesson setting instead. If a student struggles with a specific teacher or doesn’t find him or her to be supportive, we encourage communication with the Principal/Instructional Leader so this can be addressed. Best of luck in the future!

      Reply
  57. Mara

    I myself have been a part of FLVS for multiple years now (all of middle school, and now in high school). DBA’s are one of my most dreaded assignments. Though it occurs in some classes more than others, its a much to common occurrence with myself and other students for that matter. I often find myself writing long-winded notes, watching all the help videos, going to tutoring sessions, using the study guides and more, even in some of my best classes. In some of my more difficult classes (even those I have good grades in), I find myself stressing for days prior to the DBA. In one of my classes, which I struggle with a bit, I have gotten to where I am on the break of tears and can barely speak prior and during a DBA. Now don’t get me wrong, I understand why we have DBA’s and I think they are very important, however, how they are gone about aren’t always the best.

    FLVS does provide alternative options to over the phone (which strikes anxiety for a lot of students), like live lesson formats. Unfortunately they aren’t properly put out there for the students. Sometimes they aren’t shown on the homepage or in schedulers and I’ve noticed that the teachers don’t even mention them. This causes students to have to ask, which for some students makes them uncomfortable (feel like they are bothering the teacher), and just plain out sad, because they feel they aren’t smart enough or strong enough to complete a DBA via call. The options should be put out there more efficiently, for example having an option in the scheduler or having the teacher bring it up as a valid choice. I know some students who joined FLVS due to anxiety issues and the DBA debacle is not a positive aspect of there FLVS experience.

    I would also like to point out the teachers position on the calls (and I have even noticed it in the live lessons as well) the teachers can act overly superior. Obviously the teachers know much more than we do, but them sighing as we struggle to answer questions, giving us little to no time to answer, and not listening to our feedback, is uncalled for. Now again please don’t get me wrong, some teachers are magnificent and make the DBA’s an enjoyable experience (for example my English teacher) but others not so much. I myself have been quite lucky with my teachers, but that is not the case for many other students. Another point I want to discuss involves my experience with the DBA’s. Though I read through every lesson, write thorough notes, spend hours upon hours studying, I still get anxiety leading up to my DBA. I have an issue with the study guides provided. In some of my class they offer basic questions or an array of questions that are going to be asked on the DBA or are similar to those which will be asked, however not in most of my classes I have had. I have noticed, I do better when I have the specific notes, because I’m not in my own head as much, I feel more prepared. I have seen FLVS work on this and my teachers improve there study guide, but its not as much as I would have hoped to see by now. Well I apologize for this extensively long comment, please fellow students enjoy these tips on how to improve DBA from student to student.

    Tips and Tricks for DBA’s
    *Ask questions and be honest* As hard as it may be, I promise this will benefit you in the long run. I also have trouble asking for help, so take it from me saying “I dont get this”, “Can you explain?”, “I just guessed”, “I struggled with this module” will be beneficial in the long run.
    *Have notes and be ready 15 minutes before the DBA* Doing this will give you time to briefly go over the contents and help you to relax (even if its just a little bit) before the teacher calls.
    *Ignore the distraction* Make sure you are in a quiet room, with as little distractions as possible. Most teachers work from home, so they might talk softly for many reasons, lessening your distractions will help you to focus better on what the teacher is saying. Also ignore a teachers sigh or there typing in the background, they arent always aware of how that is affecting you.
    *Don’t be afraid to reschedule* One of the most comforting facts for me, is that you can reschedule even during the DBA. If you get to a part, where you feel you were just to unprepared, maybe something else came up, proper or necessary notes aren’t working, or any other issue, dont fear asking to reschedule.
    *Don’t be discouraged* Although this is quite vague, whether it is nerves, or your mind going blank, or not understanding a subject, or an nonsupporting teacher, there is no need to be discouraged. You are still a bright, young student and one question or one dba wont change that!!
    *Talk to other students* I know this is a weird one, but if you are really nervous for a DBA, discussing your issues with another student who is going through the same thing, is so helpful. Trust me when I say, you are not alone and many, many other students struggle with the same problem. Get there input on what help and what doesn’t. Also check out peer tutoring(not all classes provide this) but a lot do and with my experience its so much easier to get the proper note with a fellow student who is/has gone though DBA’s themselves.

    Reply
    1. FLVSFLVS

      Thank you for taking the time to share this valuable feedback. We love your tips and tricks and would love to include them in a follow-up post if that’s ok with you!

      Reply
  58. Antonio

    Why can’t dbas just be replaced with exams? The questions the teachers ask are scripted anyway. Just put the same questions in an exam. It’ll be WAYY easier for us students.

    Reply
  59. Noelle

    I am a senior taking world history on flvs because I moved to Florida from Massachusetts my junior year and we weren’t required to take it if we took ap human geography (which I did). I blew right through all the assignments but the dbas are what is keeping me from finishing segment 1, let alone 2. I have horrible social anxiety and phone calls scare me more than anything on this planet. Tests also stress me out so it’s two things that cause anxiety rolled into one monster. I have put off and rescheduled multiple dbas because I was having a full blown panic attack about it. I wish that these weren’t a thing. I just don’t understand why I am being forced to interact with a teacher I will never meet face to face more than I’ve ever had to interact with teachers I see every day. It’s really inconsiderate to the students who have anxiety.

    Reply
    1. FLVS

      Hi Noelle. We understand this is tough for a lot of our students! Ask your teacher to see if you can complete your DBA over a video call or in a live lesson setting. Think of it more like a conversation rather than a formal assessment – this may help!

      Reply
  60. Ariel

    I’ve done a couple dba’s in the past for an elective and it was somewhat tolerable, however I just did the first one for this school year, and to make it even worse it was for French. I have terrible social anxiety and I ended up completely breaking down once it was over despite it only lasting about 5 minutes. Even in my other ones that aren’t a foreign language I panic and I’m not sure I can make it through anymore. I might ask about doing a LL format but I think doing dbas over text would be a lot better for everyone who goes through this. Is this an option?

    Reply
    1. Mara Nahabedian

      Hi Ariel, I completely understand this! I am taking French 1 this year and the DBA’s are my most dreaded assignment, I always find myself postponing it or panicking before, during, and after . I would highly recommend the live lesson format if its available but if not I would suggest telling your teachers about your anxiety and seeing if they offer an alternative (some classes/teachers will do it via a different format to make the student more comfortable) As far as I know texting is not an option (unfortunately) and I’ve never known a teacher to do it via text but I hope they may start something similar to that soon. I wish you the best of luck!!

      Reply
  61. Paige

    This is sad, the amount of comments Ive read on here and not one good comment about DBA’s. Im with all of you, I dread them and they make me very nervous and i put them off for days and im behind on graduating because i put them off so much! FLVS please listen to all of these comments students are making because its time for a change!! Hundreds of students have voiced how much of an emotional drain these have on them. i understand the idea of DBA’s but they don’t do anything but cause tons of stress for students since most teachers treat them as an oral exam and take off points if you get the smallest thing wrong, for example on my anatomy DBA a couple weeks ago my teacher gave me a 70% since i got one question wrong even though she kept me on the phone for almost an hour and i got every other question right. FLVS please listen students are crying out for help, please help us and make a change!!!

    Reply
  62. Alyson

    I have a DBA in less than an hour for Math and am extremely nervous I’m new to online school and DBA’s it is my first math DBA and have been studying all day but still don’t feel ready I wish there was a way to do a texting dba I don’t like talking on the phone or facetime with a teacher i did a science one a few days ago and my teacher was really nice but am not to confident about math since it really ISN’T really my forte

    Reply
  63. Tessa

    I understand that DBAs are important to have so you can review, but if this many kids get so worked up about them…they shouldn’t be there. All they do is get kids all nervous and they dread them every time they have to take one. Not only that, but some teachers aren’t the nicest if you get nervous and mess up during a DBA, which makes it worse for the students and its hard for them to be comfortable. I feel like if certain teachers can’t have the patience to help kids during DBAs, then we should rethink the DBA assignments. Don’t get me wrong though, some of my teachers help me out a lot and make me feel so comfortable with asking for help if I don’t know something. But then on the other hand, some of my teachers ask questions that aren’t even in my notes and they get mad at me if I tell them I’m not sure about the question they asked. Overall, I think something that would help out is to make all the classes have DBA study guides, like some of my teachers do. It helps me out a lot on the DBA assignments and I feel a lot more comfortable with them. The study guides are just a list of questions that may be on the DBA or things tat we will go over during the call.

    Reply
    1. Laura C.

      In about…3 hours, I am due to take a DBA in math. It is my first one (in this course) and I am absolutely terrified. I have taken three DBA’s before this and to be honest, they were not that bad. The teachers were really nice and when I made a mistake, they would help me fix it. Despite these positive experiences, I still dread DBAs. Being someone that struggles with social anxiety and low self-esteem, these DBAs are absolute hell for me. I know that FLVS is trying to do good for the students, but these assessments are causing more harm than good. Every DBA I’ve had began the same way. Me, pacing the room I’m in, mumbling nonsense about how I’m going to fail and how I’m not ready. My hands shaking with anxiety and my eyes not daring to let go of the tears they’re holding in. I always get so nervous when I have a DBA that I can’t focus on anything else. The DBA today is at 12:30 and I looked up how to deal with these DBAs instead of doing my history assignment. I just can’s stop worrying about even though I still have time to study and prepare. I read comments that had the same opinion as me and it’s nice to know that I’m not just going insane. Phone calls, in general, make me really nervous. Having one with a teacher that is going to judge me on my answers, is just bone-chilling for me. Sorry to rant, but I just had to say something in hopes of a change. DBAs should be fit for all kids, not just the few that enjoy speaking to teachers and answering questions through a screen.

      Reply
    1. FLVSFLVS

      Hi there! This depends on the course and your progress or current pace. You typically need to complete assignments in order to move ahead and understand the material, but there is some flexibility! If you ask your teacher, they can answer this for you!

      Reply
      1. anonymous

        That’s the problem. My teacher put off the dba for 2 days and kept telling me we would do it the next day. Now i’m a week behind because he led me to thinking I was going to do the dba the day I texted him about it.

        Reply
  64. Anon.

    I just finished my Spanish 1 DBA, and let me just tell you it was horrible. As soon as I called her she had a bad tone right off the bat. Then we started the oral assessment and I didn’t understand what she was quite asking so she started to mock me by saying “You don’t understand? How?” But in a mean tone. I know DBA’s shouldn’t be stressful and should be a time to
    “review”, but how can I actually “review” when my instructor is nothing but rude and isn’t able to help me?

    Reply
    1. FLVSFLVS

      We want our students to feel positive and encouraged by their interactions with their teachers. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Instructional Leader (their contact info will be on the teacher announcement page) to share this feedback so this can be addressed!

      Reply
    2. Anon.

      I understand that. But I physically can’t talk to my instructor. There have been multiple occasions where she didn’t even answer my call when I called her. Her reason was because she was on the phone with a furniture company and I had to reschedule. This wasn’t the only time. I had to reschedule at least THREE times. DBAs just push a student behind pace.

      Reply
  65. Laura C.

    Since my last visit on here, I’ve grown to be a little less anxious when I get that call from my teacher. DBA’s are…terrifying, to put it simply. I have dreaded every single one, because the thought of a teacher talking and asking me questions through a phone…is just awful. I have gained some confidence with DBA’s, but with those of you that haven’t, here’s some tips:

    Study!
    studying the module will definitely help you feel better, if not by a little bit.
    Having a review page open, or a module that you struggled with will help during the DBA.

    Practice positive thinking!
    Instead of saying “I can’t do this.” over and over, try saying the opposite. Try telling yourself that this DBA doesn’t define your intelligence. Feel confident that you can do this, and you can!

    Prepare yourself!
    Prepare yourself for the call. Before it’s too late, try doing something that calms you down. Listen to music, or draw, or…I don’t know. Do something that makes you feel good.

    I’m not an expert, but these tips have definitely helped me. So if you want to try them, then great! If you don’t…well, ok then.

    I have a DBA in like, 15 minutes so… I gotta go!!

    Don’t be stressed, it’ll only take a couple minutes!

    Good luck!! 🙂

    Reply
  66. Amelia

    This is my second year doing online school at FLVS. Everything has been fine except for the DBAs. They make me so nervous to the point where i can’t stop crying. I felt like it would be better if i knew the questions that were going to be asked so i text the teachers to ask what they will ask and what the general topics will be and most of the time, the response i get is “just review the module.” I am about to take my Drivers Ed DBA and this DBA is over the WHOLE course. For days i have been going of the whole course to review information and it feels like i’m just taking the course again. Last year, my AP human geography teacher gave me some general topics to look over for the call and NONE of them were asked on the call. This resulted in me getting a bad grade and i felt stupid. It is so frustrating looking through the comments and seeing everyone struggling with the same issues and nothing being done about them. I think that DBAs are inconsiderate to the people, like me, with anxiety and cannot do phone calls. I really hope that something will be done about this. The last thing i want is to blank out on a call and forget the answers that i know and be accused of cheating or not doing the coursework myself. That is a huge fear of mine.

    Reply
  67. Jasmine

    I get so scary bc they think I’m cheating every time so they ask to talk to my mom then my mom gets annoyed with me instead of dba I wish they could make there own test in like time it 5 mins an we have to complete in that time it may sound ughh but it’s better than talking on the phone an hear them getting annoyed with you for everything not all teachers are like that some are soo nice but some are just down right mean yk I’m doing 8th grade stuff I’m supposed to be in 9th but I was lacking bc I didn’t wanna do dba so I would lie to my mom like I’m staying on task when I’m not an not doing my mom work for a whole month an not responding to the text messages bc I have to do a dba it to the point where they call my mom then she yells at me for 2 hours so now during the welcome calls I read them out if ik there gonna start being mean I’ll just drop out there class an sign up again so I’ll get another teacher bc my heart can’t take this I’m physically ready but not mentally or emotionally I feel so much better bc I thought only me an my sister hated dba my mom doesn’t know what it’s like so I asked the teacher I loved to ask her the same question he asked me an she hit them all wrong I even gave her the notes I had an still got an F so she apologized for saying I’m just socially awkward for not talking to them and getting dropped repeatedly my dba is like 20 more mins an I hate this so much it’ll be over in 3 minutes but it feels like forever

    Reply
  68. Cody

    I personally hate DBA’s they are terrible but i guess they are necessary for spanish. I am IN 7th grade taking a HIGH SCHOOL CLASS(which public school forced me to do) all my teacher expect me to know everything and when I ask a question the teacher doesn’t know the answer(ahem that’s an issue). I am curious what the live lesson DBA is because i know it might save my stress levels from making me implode, and i have a spanish DBA and not gonna lie kinda stressin so I’m probably venting. But i do this that you could do a classroom version of a dab where there are multiple kids so that it is more like a study guide instead of an interrogation for the students. i feel that the teachers don’t understand what we are going through and that is sad to me anyway gtg

    Reply
  69. Kylin

    I would just like to say DBA’s are by far my least favorite part of FLVS. I started FLVS September 2018. I was extremely excited to be starting online school due to my social anxiety at public school. Currently, I am slightly behind in school, taking finishing up last years work due to some family problems. Anyway, I am taking Pre-Algebra, and tomorrow I have a DBA for module 6. I have already rescheduled it because I felt I was not ready for it before. And still, it currently being 12:17am, I feel as if I am going to be asked something I did not study or a question I do not understand. Now, I have never once failed a DBA in the past year, however I gotten 64’s on my past 3 Pre Algebra DBAS. (which is still considered passing)

    I have mixed opinions on my teacher for this class. Most of my teachers on FLVS have been fairly nice to say the least, but this particular teacher I could say otherwise. Its not necessarily that’s mean, its that he is EXTREMELY blunt I guess you could say. For this class, he only allows you 10 minutes for the DBA. I was stuck on a question a few modules ago, and he said “Now you only have 10 minutes so you may want to hurry up” May I remind you, this is a MATH class. I was given an equation. You cant expect to be given a literal equation and answer it with 3 minutes max. It is simply awkward silence while he waits for me to answer an equation. At the end, he says “Well you still passed with a 64 so” Like, what? Teachers are meant to teach students the material, not degrade them for not understanding a question, and its not even that I didn’t understand, its that I felt I was not given the proper amount of time. I hung up this DBA in TEARS.

    No matter the class I am always nervous for a DBA. Sitting on my bed, at the table, etc, counting up till the exact moment the teacher will be calling. Shaking, heart racing and looking over my notes wondering if what I have written will have even mattered on my DBA. I do believe but am not 100% sure If this will be my last year in online school. DBAS are simply to much stress for me to handle. I should not have to procrastinate on an assignment because I am scared of the outcome.

    Reply
    1. Alexander

      I know, some teachers are so STRICT!!!!! I can barely do some of the easier math problems in 10 min, let alone the whole DBA!

      Reply
  70. Jaydasian

    As we know DBAs cause stress, anxiety attacks, etc. To prevent this I have a potential solution. It is obvious that the way FLVS has teachers do DBA’s is stressful for students. So why keep the system that isn’t working for the student? To ensure that this solution works I think FlVS should do a trial period to where teachers ask students if they have any questions on the material present in the module if the student says no the DBA is over( teachers will still be able to advise students when it comes to what the module exam(s) will heavily test on). If the student says yes the teacher and the student go over the subjects that the student needs help with. After the trial period, Flvs can compare the module exam scores to those before this DBA tactic, and those after this DBA tactic. If the percentage of students who passed is higher using my proposed DBA tactic Flvs keeps this form of DBAs. If the percentage of students who failed is higher Flvs keeps the way it does DBAs now.

    Reply
  71. Alexander

    I am usually acing my DBAs, but one time I studied and NONE of the question were related in the slightest degree to the study guides, and when i went into the lesson afterward, there was only like half a sentence that even relates to a part of half the questions! They should at give you a hint to the information you will need to know for the DBA, so you do not spend 4 hours burning into your memory information that is not in the DBA. In some modules I am find with burning info in my head, as it relates to things I would do on a daily basis, but burning dates from history is the most annoying thing in the world to me, as well as some thing in ELA and science. But all in all, I think they should, instead of grilling the student over the phone and flipping out when they use a synonm that they do not like, they should have the student explain to the teacher how the got the answers form one of their assignments, and maybe do a live lesson with the student on certain topics (this would be every 2 modules though, instead of every one, so the teacher has more selections) that the teacher feels they struggled with. I really think that the FLVS community needs to do some of these ideas, as it is 2020 and DBAs have still not changed from 2015, when this post was made. And it is obvious by just glancing at 1 of the comments on this post, that people are not the happiest with the DBAs.

    Reply
  72. Dylan

    Tbh, I am about to do my Module 6 and 7 DBA and I’m really nervous. After doing many the previous 5 DBA’s, it never gets any easier. The pressures on towards the end of the class.

    Reply
  73. james

    i find it easier if i do my dba when my instructor is there with me and a couple other students but she just recently came and i wasn’t ready so either i have to wait or request her to come and i don’t want to request because i don’t want to waist her time by coming to my school

    Reply
  74. Anonymous

    Bruh, this doesn’t help me one bit. Plus, how on earth could you guys be scared of talking to somebody for 5 MINUTES. I’ve been trying to figure out how to schedule a DBA in my LA3 class. I already know how to schedule a DBA in most of my classes, but there isn’t a place to schedule a DBA in this one specific class. Can somebody please help me. My LA3 teacher is Teya Miller. Mrs. Teya Miller.

    Reply
    1. Alexander

      Just send her a text on school email. That is what I do, and then she will probally just send you a link to her booking site, and then just bookmark it, or you will just have to text her what times work.

      By the way, most DBAs take around 10 – 20 minutes, depending on subject and teacher.

      Reply
  75. arri

    I just get really bad anxiety when I’m about to get the call and one of my teachers is really really rude he literally mad me cry so most of my DBAs aren’t done because I’m to scared to schedule them.

    Reply
  76. anon

    I have my first ever DBA soon next week, and I have reviewed the whole module at least 3 times. I have printed 6 pages worth of notes that cover every single bit of the lessons. I am very nervous. When I had my welcome call with my teacher, she seemed super sweet and helpful. After reading the comments, it seems like teachers change their tones after a while. I am scared my teacher will not be what I expected. Also, what is usually asked on the DBA? When I looked at the grading rubric for it, I saw that there was a section for real-life examples. What questions are typically asked? I usually don’t struggle with public speaking and also I am an extrovert but I am so so nervous for this DBA and wished maybe there is another way like texting to do this.

    Reply
    1. anon

      UPDATE:
      I’ve had about 4 DBAs now. I don’t know about other teachers, but my teacher is super sweet and kind. The DBAs are not scary at all. She asks 1-2 easy questions to test my understanding of the module and the whole session is about maybe 5 mins long at max. Not that anyone is reading this but you will do just fine on it!!

      Reply
      1. Asjani

        I was nervous too. When i was practicing for the dba with my mom I cried because I was nervous. Im glad my teacher didn’t ask me a whole bunch of questions. It was only 7 minutes!

        Reply
  77. Natalie D.

    I started doing online classes this year beginning in August. For the first few weeks I was behind because i had no motivation (besides my mom yelling at me). Shortly after, I had to start doing DBA’s. I’m one of those people who get nervous when they’re talking to their teacher over the phone, and I like to know what questions are going to be asked in quizzes or DBA’s in this case, so the thought of them scare me. Every time I have to do one I always dread it, and when I realize that I have to take it in 30 minutes I start freaking out. My hands start shaking uncontrollably, I can’t think straight, and I feel like I’m having a whole mental breakdown. Then, when I see that my teacher is calling me I really start to freak out and whenever she asks me the first question my mind just goes blank and then I have to think about it for minutes until either they explain it to me, I ask them what the question was again, or miraculously remember the answer and get it right. I’m hoping that as I continue doing online school, it gets easier, but I seriously doubt it. Now, I should be done with all of my classes since its the summer, but here I am with two classes left still. One of them is language arts, pretty easy class right, yeah I thought so until I had to create a power point which of course is the lesson RIGHT BEFORE THE DBA! Then on top of that I still have to do a few lessons, the DBA for that module and the exam for it as well, and then finally the two segment exams. Then, with my other class I should be finishing it next week, but I have only just done the DBA for the module before it so…. you can assume how that will go. Now it might seem that I’m not that smart or that I’m one of those kids that don’t care too much about their grade, but in all reality I’m the polar opposite of it. I’m the second oldest kid out of my 4 siblings, and I’m the one that gets praised for my good grades and how smart I normally am. However, ever since I started doing online school I’ve been getting yelled at because my mom is getting calls and texts from my teachers saying that I should be done already or that I should almost be done, but yet, I’m not. Now, since its the summer and I shouldn’t be doing school right now, my mom is telling me to just finish it so that I can be done, and so that she can enroll me for 9th grade, but if only she knew how hard it really was. I’m not a social person really, so that’s part of the reason why I did it, and especially since I’m supposed to begin high school soon and I just moved down here. So, I guess what I’ve been trying to say all along now is that DBA’s point blank suck, like don’t get me wrong I understand why they are there and everything, but I feel that if they weren’t a thing I would be so much closer to finishing my classes.

    Reply
  78. Parker

    If you’re doing a DBA through Blackboard, do you need to notify your teacher in advance? Also, are DBAs harder on the phone or through Blackboard? I have my first one tomorrow and I’m freaking out because I have severe social anxiety. The disorder I have literally causes me to go mute in certain situations. I actually have a 504 in school for speaking, but apparently it doesn’t work online. I would really appreciate any tips on what one is less stressful.

    Reply
  79. anonymous

    Why is NOTHING being done about this issue?? It is obvious that students dread DBA’s and nothing is being changed. Students should feel comfortable when communicating with their teacher, not full of anxiety. I believe this should be changed. Obviously it is not working out and something needs to be done about it, you can’t just ignore hundreds of kids who dread having to talk to their teachers.

    Reply
    1. FLVSFLVS

      It’s okay to let your teacher know you’re a little nervous. Your teacher will make sure they are giving you the support you need. Students and parents can also discuss other options with teachers and they can make adjustments as needed. Hope this helps! 🙂

      Reply
    1. FLVSFLVS

      Hi Ephram! Your first few DBAs may make you nervous but your teachers are here to support you and help you master the material! Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t understand a topic. 🙂

      Reply
  80. Random Person

    I have an upcoming DBA for Spanish and Math, this is my first year with FLVS The only reason I’m doing it is because of Corona, are there any tips on how to be prepared? and does your Spanish teacher talk to you in complete Spanish?

    Reply
    1. Shawna

      No your teacher probably won’t talk to you in complete spanish. She’ll ask you to say some common phrases in espanol, but you are not a native speaker and she knws that. Good Luck

      Reply
  81. Niyah

    I have soooo much anxiety for DBAs and it’s not good for my health. i hate them so much! one of my teachers got so annoyed because i didn’t know the answers and even though i studied and i knew what i learned, i got so nervous and forgot what to say. It does not help at all! Live session or phone, i don’t understand why we have to do this. I think FLVS should have more consideration for people who have anxiety and it’s not good for health. We should not have to do DBAs at all, it makes no sense.

    Reply
    1. random person.

      i totally agree with you. I go through the same problem, DBAs are so hard for me to do and my anxiety is so bad. I tried phone and live session but none help. Part of the reason why I wanted to take online school was so that I didn’t have to talk to anyone. I feel like DBAs should be a choice.

      Reply
  82. Shawna

    When I took my first online class, I was extremely nervous. My cousin had had a bad experience in the class (Spanish 1) and I thought it would be so hard. Turns out, I probably had the nicest teacher of spanish ever(Mrs. Nunez). After that first DBA, yes, I was still nervous about the next one, but after about three DBAs I began to look forward to talking with her. I even sent her a Christmas card. I always make a 100 on my DBAs. For those who are facing their first DBA, don’t panic. Know the basics of that module, review if you need to, and be cheerful and respectful to your instructor. I hope you don’t get a cranky teacher, but don’t borrow trouble and expect to get a cranky one before you get to know them.

    Reply
  83. = )

    Thank you for this Shawna, I took my spanish DBA she was amazing and I feel so much better! I am now on module 2 for all of my classes, DBA’s honestly arn’t that bad! just have your notes and be prepared 🙂

    Reply
    1. Shawna

      Right! I’m about to do a big English 1 DBA. I think I have to use a powerpoint for this one, which I’ve never done before, so that’ll be a new experience.

      Reply
  84. Random Person

    I must say that DBA’s are different for many people some people dread it while others enjoy it. For me I had very bad anxiety for my first 2 DBA’s, but after that I was fine and I actually looked forward to them maybe it’s just because I have good teachers, but some ways that I prefer to do DBA’s are the group DBA’s. hopefully this was helpful, and don’t stress it is honestly bad sure you may be anxious at first but afterword’s you may say oh that wasn’t so bad.

    Reply
  85. Kaitlyn Murray

    Are there any alternatives for DBA’s for people with harsh medical conditions? I suffer from EOE, which effects my throat and swells it up, which leaves it hurtful to talk. Are there other options for me? 🙁

    Reply
  86. FLVS Student

    I’m always so nervous when I’m about to start a call, I know everything and suddenly forget everything when I need to answer the questions. I always have to wait for the end, I have very bad anxiety and it doesn’t help.

    Reply
  87. Jordyn

    It’s so comforting to know that I am not the only one struggling with DBA’s. I’m taking spanish 2 and I have a DBA today, in fact. I’ve been stressing over it all week and losing a ton of sleep over it. More importantly, there are dozens of comments about to DBA and how students feel about it, although nothing is being done about it. We understand that communication is key, and that there are other alternatives, however that’s isn’t doing very much. We will still feel anxious, we will still feel dumb, we will still freeze up during the calls. Please do something about it FLVS. This isn’t healthy and the anxiety it causes is close to unbearable.

    Reply
    1. FLVSFLVS

      Hi Jordyn, we’re sorry to hear that you’re struggling with DBAs. We hear you. And we’re here to help you succeed. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your instructor or FLVS Counselor anytime you need additional support!

      Reply
  88. El

    I’m not completely understanding as to why FLVS is still requiring DBAs, when there are HUNDREDS of comments saying kids struggle so badly with them. One reason I even started doing online school was to get away from having to talk to teachers because of extreme anxiety. I’m so behind on school right now because of DBAs. I either put them off because I’m too nervous, or the teacher doesn’t even call on the scheduled date.

    There should be MANY other alternatives required to doing this. I totally understand why FLVS wants their students to call their teachers (academic integrity) but they need to come up with a better system. I’m so glad to know that I’m not the only one struggling with this. I’ve had one, ONE kind, caring, and genuinely helpful teacher on this platform so far. That’s it. The last time I got on the phone for a DBA, I couldn’t remember the answer to the question my teacher was asking, and he just let out a sigh and told me what I was doing wrong. What??? How is that helping kids at ALL???

    Please, please come up with more alternatives than this, FLVS.

    Reply
    1. Elizabeth JonesElizabeth Jones

      El, We hear you, and we’re sorry to hear you felt this way. Your teacher should be able to offer some alternatives. If you’re still having trouble after discussing this with your teacher, please reach out to the IL.

      Reply
  89. Stone Mink

    I just had my first ”DBA” and I didn’t know any of it and i blanked out but guided notes supposedly help a lot. I felt stupid and I was very nervous but my teacher was very kind. didn’t know this is what I was in for when I joined flvs. not looking forward to more of them

    Reply

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