"Never let them see you sweat" was the best piece of advice I was given before my very first class. I had twenty-five years of experience so I knew I was knowledgable on the material. I took plenty of time preparing PowerPoints, vocabulary lists, visual handouts.
I was still very nervous prior to the class, but with so much material to go through I alway had something to discuss. I also tried very hard to incorporate real life experiences with the material I was explaining. It relaxed me, took up time so I wasn't going to fast, and gave the students a story to remember the material.
Hi Robin,
Prepare! Preparation is a must. Take a deep breath and go for it, after warmiing up, the teaching becomes natural.
Patricia
When I get the butterflies in my stomach feeling, etc.... I have to stop myself and remember we are all human and it is OK to allow our human side show in front of the class.
Hi Kristina,
Preparation is key. It really does help when one rehearses their lesson. Students can tell when you are prepared as well as unprepared.
Patricia
Hi Renee,
Staying on track is a must. Instructors need to make sure to follow the lesson plan, don't deviate from it too much.
Patricia
Hi Cheryl,
Preparation is key! When you are prepared it definitely eases your nerves. Things tend to flow a lot better when you are prepared.
Patricia
It's always important to be prepared. Practicing in front of children, pets or a mirror often work. Knowing the content may not be enough and you might stumble when you are up there. Eat right, stay healthy and get a good nights sleep are always going to put you in prime condition to step up to the plate of teaching, ultimately learning
To be prepared and have all of your assignments listed a well as your handouts to be copied ahead of time
Grace haines
Dayton Ohio
Just try and prepare in advance and have fun teaching , get movingin your calss play medcial terminology jepardy
Grace Haines
Dayton ohio
I would agree. And before you know it class is over and the instrutor is trying to figure out how to squeeze it into the next class.
Your welcome. I truely believe no one is unteachable we just have to figure out the combination to opening up the world of knowledge for our students. It's one thing to know the material we are teaching and another to be able to present it so that it will engage the learned.
Limited the amount of classes that your campus wants you to teach, prepare ahead of time, Have Fun
Grace Haines
National College
Dayton Ohio
Hi Letisha,
It is a great analogy that can also be shared with your students.
Patricia
I like the visual you used about the students heads being transparent and that it's your job to fill it. This analogy will "stick" with me from this day forward.
Thank you for the insight.
Hi Letisha,
I understand what you are saying. There are some days you just feel so much more prepared than others... you can tell a difference when this does happen.
Patricia
Hi Patricai,
Super response! I can tell you prepare for your lessons. These are certainly sure ways to minimize instructor anxiety. Preparation is key.
Patricia
I believe that preparation is of primary importance to reduce instructor anxiety. I also believe it is very valuable to have pertinent, real-life situations in your career field to relate to the students.
I think I would add to that list something about keeping the learning objective in mind. Some days, it is easy to go a little off track, and from there an instructor may not get all the information out before the end of the lesson.
Hi Patrick,
Students want to hear about the real world so that they will no what to expect once they begin their career.
Patricia
Make a check list of everything you need for class and check it twice. Practice your deliver in front of a mirror or record your lecture so you can hear how you sound. Imagine and visualize that your students heads are transparent and hollow and you can see them empty. Remember to think that the knowledge you are about to give them will start to fill their head up and your goal is to get it filled.
