Relax
If you are relaxed and at ease your students will be and be more open to learning
Roxsie,
So would I. I have had too many of the boring ones in my career. They have inspired me not to be one of them so I have worked hard to develop an instructional style that engages my students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I agree. I would much rather attened a class with an instructor who is relaxed and at ease than one who is nervous and ill prepared.
A relaxed demeanor conveys to the students that you are confident in your abilities as an instructor and a professional. Nervousness in the classroom conveys the opposite, and students are less likely to trust you. I find I am more relaxed when I am extremely prepared for class- there is no last minute preparation I have to do as it has been done ahead of time. This also allows me to focus more on student production in an atmosphere free of frenzy.
Christina,
A demeanor that is comfortable and relaxed means that the instructor is not seen as being nervous, stressed or poorly prepared. You are right about the need to always be seen as a professional.
Gary
I AGREE BECAUSE ANXIETY IS CONTAGIOUS.
I don't necessarily agree with this.
If the facilitator is 'relaxed and at ease,' the students could misinterpret the attitude as 'I'm here for the paycheck. Do as you will."
A facilitator, although primarily there to help the student achieve higher learning, does need to provide the course with some sort of structure and an authority figure. Otherwise, an online class could become a hidden chapter from "Children of the Corn."
