To be overly prepared is one way of reducing pre-class anxiety. If lecture is to be thirty minutes long, prepare a lecture thats an hour long. Have a good lesson plan and above all speak slowly and clearly. This will assist you in overcoming the anxiety.
Hi Sherry,
There is nothing like having a backup plan. I had this to happen to me as well, and I had a plan in place just in case.
Patricia
I usually start a class with introductions, a brief statement about my nursing experience, and ask the students to do the same.After that I explain the syllabus, present the lecture and have a guest speaker.One semester the guest speaker did not show up, was I glad I had "PLAN B!"
Hi Ralph,
Preparation is key! Once you know that you are thoroughly prepared everything else will fall in place.
Patricia
Be excited and expereicned in your field. Have a good sense of self confidence, as well as willingness to learn new information from the material you will use for instruction. Take a deep breath, and enjoy what you do and the students who are in the classroom. It also doesn't hurt to prepare.
Hi Julie,
They are no differences, you can use the same tactics in any setting.
Patricia
What might be some of the differences in switching from a Lab/Clinic to a Classroom situation?
Hi Tonya,
This serves as a great way to know each other as well as to form long lasting friendship.
Patricia
I always introduce myself to the class, provide industry and teaching background, and a bit of personal information. I always ask students to introduce themselves as well and share as much of the same information as they would like. It is always fun watching things in common fall out across the class. I watch bonds form with students as well as study groups.
Hi Carin,
If you are knowledgeable, prepared, and organized you are certainly in a win-win situation.
Patricia
Set up an ice breaker at the start of a term or new module. Also preparation is key. Being organized is a great tool to elevate your self-confidence.
Hi Mildred,
I have been teaching for over 22 years, and I still use a check-off list to make sure I cover what needs to be covered for the day.
Patricia
During my first class meetings, I found it very helpful to write note cards and create a checklist for each session. I continue to do this even now and I give these tips to new instructors.
Hi Mak,
Motivation begins at the top, and it certainly should begin with us so that our students will catch it.
Patricia
Hi Lori,
Absolutely! We do this at my institution every opportunity we get. It helps majorly.
Patricia
Hi Rebecca,
With time you will become better. Having prepared notes is a great way to stay on task.
Patricia
Hi Tracy,
New instructors certainly appreciate these gestures. There is so much to be learned from a seasoned instructor.
Patricia
Hi Perry,
Great advice! Pertain you are ready to entertain by giving the best performance ever.
Patricia
Hi Katheryn,
Remain calm, and simply do the very best that you can. Adding stress is never a good thing.
Patricia
I have learn to take each step of my duties as I get to them, and not stress over what's next.
