It's important to remember that every one has been new at some point in time at their job. I also believe that new instructors should work to earn their students respect and not expect to be able to demand it. I have seen many instructors fail when they have tried to demand respect versus working to earn it!
In preparing new instructors submit to them a written topic outline for lecture and most important pre-lecture. Have them fill in the material for each topic to show you and to demonstrate to themselves their own experience in the field for each topic. This establishes a model of lecture that they can follow and student confidence in their background with credibility as they base it own the objectives of the course.
Every new class brings a few preclass jitters.
The main thing is to be organized.
Have any handouts printed a few days before and prepare the lecture.
Name tents are a good idea to help you quickly learn the students names.
Have a few quik ice breakers prepared so that the class can feel comfortable and get to know you and each other quickly.
Some ways are to practice lecture before you present it. Over prepare the information, before class and be in class early to make sure there is no rushing.
Hi William,
You are right! Students know when you are unprepared, and they will lose all respect for you due to being unprepared. Being prepared is must.
Patricia Scales
I know this has been mentioned, but I find that if I feel prepared I am less nervous and anxious prior to class. The first class in every new session is often the worst as far as the "jitters" go but I commit to learning the students names and try to remember at least one personal thing that they share to create a relationship. I then feel more comfortable because they are no longer "strangers". I also feel less nervous once I get a feel for how they learn. If I have a class that does particularly well with PowerPoint I will primarily use that technique however when I have a class that does not I feel more comfortable when I switch gears to accommodate their learning style.
I find knowing the material is the best way to reduce anxiety. Confidence goes a long way when you are speaking in front of others, especially if they are somewhat educated. The last thing you want to happen is for them to question your abilities. This could be humiliating. I find if I don't know the answer I just let them know I am not sure and want to consult with colleges on the topic before I give them misleading information.
I found that being prepared does reduce anxiety,and the students recognize the instructors anxiety.
Be prepared, take a deep breath, remember that you have knowledge in the field. I agree that stumbling around will show nervousness and weaknesses to the student.
Hi Margaret,
You have it! You must have a plan and work your plan. Preparation is a must!
Patricia Scales
Hi Robin,
You sound like you are a planner, and you prepare! Keep up the great work. Students love it when their instructor is prepared.
Patricia Scales
Hi Antonio,
You have it! You are knowledgeable. Display lots of self confidence! Perception is everything.
Patricia Scales
Being prepared and knowing your subject matter is paramount in relieving some of that anxiety. Also important is having an organizational plan on how you plan on delivering your material. The anxiety lessens as the lesson progresses and you observe the feedback you are getting from students.
My biggest anxiety is how I come across to my students. The easiest way for me to get past worrying about that is for me to just be myself and trust my knowledge.
I over-prepare for my class with lesson plans, broken down with the estimated amount of time for each activity. My Powerpoint file keeps me on track, making sure I don't skip any points, as well as giving the students a visual reference during the lecture.
Knowing the material and feeling confident in presenting it gives the instructor boldness and confidence
Always being prepared is a must. Just be yourself in class and be natural.
As mentioned in the course content, PREPARE and over prepare. I find it helpful to have a check list of items required for each class, arrive at the classroom early to ensure the room set up and equipment is prepared. I believe that being nervous is a good thing. It demonstrates that you are genuinely concerned about the quality of your work and that extra adrenaline will provide a little boost to get things rolling at the start of class. From the moment the first student arrives in the classroom, your focus should shift from your self awareness to the task at hand – the students and the message/information you have to share with them today. Once you are engaged in that activity, the nerves will disappear.
One thing I do is to go over the material to be covered before class and make notes. I also collaborate with other instructors to get more ideas on how to present the material to be covered.
making sure i am prepared ..make sure i utilize all prep time.
