One thing that I have done and still do to help decress my prer-class anxiety level, is by talking to other instructors who have been there before and lessons they may have gleened from their experience.
another thing is good old fashioned preperation, and taking the time to get to know my students.
Carla,
What a creative idea to put everyone as ease. I would think it would also set the tone of the class.
Sara Donevant
I think I was just the opposite, I loved public speaking and was hired to teach medical law and ethics while still in school. One afternoon still being in school myshelf and knowing some of my fellow students were in the cass I was asked to fill in for put me in a tizzy. I paced, crammed, and went in. there were a few looks at first but I made eye contact walked the room and it all worked out. AA
Hi Bruce,
Introductions serve as a great bonding experience.
Patricia
Hi Kim,
It is a lot to juggle, but you are doing it! Preparation is a must, just imagine how hectic it would really be if you did not prepare.
Patricia
Hi Heather,
Great way to plan! Preparation is key! Preparation really puts you at ease.
Patricia
Hi Eric,
You're right. I tell my students all the time, the more you practice, the better you will become.
Patricia
When I was a new instructor I was very nervous. I hated public speaking why was I trying to teach a class? I found it easier and easier to teach the less I just stood up there and lectured and the more I prepared hands on activities. I could do the activities I couldn't do the speaking. But to make sure the students were understanding the hands on part I had to do some speaking. As I got more and more comfortable with this the lecturing just came naturally. I also found it helpful to read through the material you will be lecturing on over and over again. The more you know the more knowlege you can share and you feel less unprepared when a student asks you a question.
Hi Annette,
Preparation is key. An outline is extremely helpful. I have been teaching for more than 21 years, and I still use an outline along with prepared notes.
Patricia
HAVE A CLEAR UNDERSTANDING OF THE MATERIAL BEING PRESENTED; AS WELL AS AN OUTLINE INCLUDING THE ORDER AND QUESTIONS TO BE PRESENTED. BE PREPARED.
You know, I hadn't thought of a model like the one used to talk about the quadrant, and how one must travel from upper left to lower right before we can get to upper right or "doing the right thing(s) well in a consistent manner". However, it does make sense to anyone who has bettered him/herself in athletics or any competitive endeavor - practice, practice, practice makes (almost) perfect.
I try to reassure myself that I am completely prepared for the class and that I have taught this material many times before with no problems.
This usually reassures me enough.
You absolutely have to be prepared. I always have my lesson plan, a chronological list to check off and extra information about anticipated questions from students. However, when you feel you have made a mistake, I always admit it and somehow make it humorous.
Good points. Preparation is key. I teach part-time and work a full-time job during the day. Its hard sometimes to juggle. Wish I could find a happy medium sometimes.
I always take the time to introduce myself and give both a professional and educational background, especially since I'm an adult learner. And then I have the students not only give the normal background information but also a unique fact about them that isn't well know.
Hi Carly,
These two things will certainly minimize anxiety. Preparation is a must!
Patricia
Prepare, prepare, prepare, prepare - and then go do something that is personally relaxing for you before class - listen to some music, take a walk, visit a colleague, -
i agree! pre planning and preparation for class is key to a successful class lecture period
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Hi Martha,
You are right! Students can tell quickly when you are unprepared. Being unprepared has made many instructors lose their credibility. Once your credibility as an instructor is tarnished, it is hard to regain it.
Patricia
Hi Jessica,
Absolutely! Preparation is key! I especially like how you have a Plan B as well. Always have more than you think you need because sometimes you need more.
Patricia
