It can be very nerve-racking to start a new course or a new group of students. I try to plan out all of the lecture material ahead of time and make a topical outline, as well as photo-copy all of the material ahead of time as well. When I have a game plan, I feel much more confident.
Hi Ryan,
Great list! I have found that being thoroughly prepared really reduces anxiety.
Patricia
Hi Linda,
Being knowledgeable and displaying confidence will certainly minimize axniety.
Patricia
Hi Aldgenette,
Whenever you practice, it would be a good idea to practice with a seasoned instructor so that constructive feedback can be provided if there is a need. A seasoned instructor can also give you great pointers and let you know those areas of the topic that will be challenging for students to grasp.
Patricia
Hi Karen,
Preparation is key! Students can tell when you are prepared or unprepared. I understand as educators we do have a lot going on as well, and it does get you when you have something more important that takes precedence over preparing for class. If time permits use that one day that you are not fully prepared as a workday based on concepts that have been taught. Give the students supplemental exercises.
Patricia
1. Raport with other students, if your funny hopefully they know that before they get there, maybe a friend has told them about you.
2. Eye contact
3. volume of voice
4. explanation of who you are and your expectations
5. Be personalable, everyone want to like there teacher.
Being prepared is very important. I read the book before each class and get it in my head what I want to talk about. I bring in personal experiences about life in a workning shop and relate it to the material being presented.
Hello
I find I am less nervous when I am prepared for class; especially a class I have not taught before.
There have been times where I have not prepared myself as well as should have because I had another priority and I ran out of time. Going into class, I'd remind myself that I know this subject, but what I'd find happens is that I do not know the material the students are using. Therefore, when a question is posed to me about something they read in the text, I get out of sorts. I hate when it that happens, so I try to make being prepared the priority. It certainly helps the anxiety.
Hi Michael,
The first day of the class sets the tone for the entire grading period.
Patricia
Hi Joan,
It sounds like your prepare well and in advanced. I am sure you are an effective instructor.
Patricia
Hi Sue,
Our students should be very important to us, therefore we should want to get to know them.
Patricia
Hi Jeannette,
Great idea! I like to try to get my new instructors to team teach with seasoned instructors.
Patricia
During the orientation process sit in on several instructors classes to view first hand different teaching approaches and styles.
I try to think of the students of people I would like to get to know. The names and something about themselves that they'd like to share.
I try to have my lesson plans set a week in advance, this also helps if the material goes faster than intended, I know what is next and can start to discuss it. It keeps lessons running smoothly. When your not prepared that is when anxiety is at the highest.
Ways to overcome pre-class nerves and anxiety is to make sure that you are totally compared. Make sure that your syllabus are clear and to the point, including all course goals and objectives, etc. If it's your first time teaching, as you prepare make sure that you also practice, practice, practice... Are there any other suggestions?
Practice, practice, practice. As with any presentation, practicing in front of a mirror or friend or relative will help you visualize how the class will unfold and become more confident.
Having a solid plan and being prepared.
I try to pull an example from my work experience and ask for input from any of the students in similar situations
Be over prepared for class!
