Hi Brian,
Great advice! Preparation is key! Preparation instills great confidence in instructors. Always take advantage of a seasoned instructor; they know the tricks of the trade.
Patricia
All in all being prepared for the class is the most important, knowing the material and being confident in it. Also giving yourself time to preview the classroom and its supplies to make sure all neccessary items for the class to move forward are present. Practicing material for the class prior to the lesson is key, another is working with a peer to review what is to be presented.
Hi Cynthia,
When you are comfortable around someone you tend to open up so much more.
Patricia
Hi Janet,
What a great way to be ready for your students. You certainly made the best of your time.
Patricia
Good preporation is one of the best antidotes to feelings of anxiety- do not leave lecture preporation until the last minute.
teaching is to a large extent a type of performance - if you look confident and in command of the occasion, students will be convinced by your performance and be totally unaware of the fears you actually have.
Over-preparation. When I used to do residential classes, I wrote everything out, timed it, wrote out a time schedule for myself, had hand-outs and flashcards, all sorts of things. It enabled me to not only share info, but when a student commented about a fear or anxiety, I was able to re-phrase and give info for comfort as well as to provide steps for the task -- all without taking time away from the class and yet addressing a major need.
When introducing yourself to the classroom, make sure that you have icebreakers prepared. I usually do not use my first day of class for instruction. I take this day to get to know my students and allow them time to get to know each other. This helps to take the heat off of you.
I usually take time to talk with the students and build a rapport. Me getting to know them and them getting to know me. It always makes me feel a lot better and less anxiety.
Prepare and prepare-I always start with extra material and/or something fun to do relating to the chapters covered. Sometimes it helps me and the students to relax and engage if we start with a review game.
Hi Diana,
Preparation is key! You will be just fine. Walk in like you are a guru with a great sense of self confidence.
Patricia
I am new as an instructor and this is what I am in the processing of doing! I know I will be nervous the first day, so I have my plans developed and just keep reviewing them over and over again!
I like to prepare for two days ahead of time, if I go through mondays class too fast I can start on tuesdays lecture and/or lab on monday. Then I can figure out afterward why it had gone so fast and what could I do to slow it down or add more content to teh class.
Hi Candy,
Share your many years of experince/stories with your students. Based on your experience you can add a lot of flavor to your lectures. Your students want to and need to hear your stories as they are applicable to the course lesson. Experience really is the best teacher.
Patricia
At the last class of the previous term I made a joke with my students while I handed back their final grades, and they said I seemed more relaxed than normal. I found this a little surprising because I don't feel very anxious during class, but I do sometimes get a little clutsy.
The very first class I taught I was sweating bullets, but it faded over time. I find that one of the best ways to keep the nerves aside is to be prepared and always have a backup plan.
Andre your advise was very helpful for me. I am a new instructor but I have been an RN for many years. You reminded me that I have been a preceptor for new RNs for 15+ years. I have also been resource nurse for the same amount of years. I will try to hold on to this knowledge as I stand in front of my first class.
Hi Clifton,
Preparation is key! I always plan for every course I teach at least a week in advanced.
Patricia
Hi Judith,
I am sure you have learned to never let your students see your sweat. You always need to appear to be very intelligent and confident around them.
Patricia
I first starting teaching last year and on my first day I was super anxious. I was always afraid I would show the class I wasn't intelligent or that I would do something really embarressing in class. After a few minutes, I relaxed and started to be myself and the students enjoyed that and related to me.
For me, reviewing my course content a few days before, is my first objective. A few days of planning ahead in my mind helps me to feel comfortable and also seems to help.
