Hi Frederick,
If you can do more, and time permits, then give them more.
Patricia
One of my main anxieties is that I'm not giving my student enought information. Even though I follow the course curriculum, I sometime still fell as though I can do more.
Hi Hugo,
Don't panick, just pick up where you've left off the next day.
Patricia
Not having enough time to get the lession across in time aloud. students will pick up on your anxiety big mistake.
Create an ice-breaker that will allow all parties to be at ease. A good one would be to ask the students to introduce themselves and tell what they plan on doing in their careers. Then the instructor would give a brief synopsis of the course and the subject matter. Subsequently, the instructor asks the students how, after hearing the synopsis of the course, they think the course will play a role in their career aspirations.
Hi Stehpen,
As there instructors, students really do expect you to know.
Patricia
Just remember that you are the instructor, there to teach and share your knowledge with your students. Being completely prepared with what you plan for the class(es) will also help you feel less anxious. The students are just people like you and are there to learn from, and with, you.
Hi Deborah,
Practicing in the mirror is even more effective because you can see your enthusiasm or lack there of.
Patricia
Preparation, knowledge, and having self-confidence are the keys to win the students over.
I have done this also when I thought I had enough materical and then when I practiced realized that I need to add a lot more. It is a good idea to practice and time your self. Practicing the lecture does help to reduce anxiety about how you will deliver the material.
I always wake up and tell myself that it is going to be a great day and carry that positive energy into the classroom. I always think of the classroom as if I am on stage and I have to be on even if I am having a bad day. The positive self talk helps me to stay focused and on task. I have taught for many years I and still can have anxiety and nerves especially if I am teaching a new class or with a new application of software that I am still learning all of the glitches in. Sometimes when you are nervous it is difficult to answer student questions, but I learned a long time ago to admit if I did not know the answer. The next class then I will share the answer to the students question so everyone can hear. I think that as an instructor no one wants to look like they do not know the material. I had a mentor that told me once that if you are teaching something new and are unsure about the material to always stay at least one week ahead of the students. This then allows you time to make sure that you know what you will be teaching the next week. It has worked for me so far. Sometimes I have had a class added on at the last minute and I will make sure that I am prepared as much as possible before class on the content for that day. If the instructor feels prepared then they should not be as nervous.
Hi Katherine,
You are right. These are sure characteristics to help minimize instructor anxiety.
Patricia
Hi Alison,
It is human nature to feel this way, with time this feeling will go away. You feel like this because you want to do the best job possible.
Patricia
Hi Traci,
Students truly appreciate having a knowledgeable instructor, believe it or not, there are some instructors that are real weak in their knowledge base, this is so unfair to the students.
Patricia
Hi Greg,
Introductions are always a nice icebreaker. The students really want to know more about you, and the first day is the perfect time to share information about you with the class a whole. Great friends have been made from this icebreaker.
Patricia
Hi Deborah,
I always tell my instructors being prepared, organized, professional, and knowledgeable help reduce anxiety.
Patricia
practice a lecture and time it. re do it and add in some extra time in case you talk faster in real life
I tell them who I am and what my expertise is in. I have the student's introduce themselves and I welcome each of them to class. I do ask shy they have chosen the career field and we discuss some of the career and job qualification for each career field.
Finding a mentor is an excellent way to calm pre-class anxiety. Have them look at your plans and offer some advice. Make sure that you are prepared and ready to jump into your lesson plans!
Introduction to the class can at times take off the edge of new class jitters by telling the students about yourself and asking them to introduce themselves and tell a little about where they come from and what experience they might have in the subject. Asking what thier expetationw are from the class . Some may have some experience while others have none. This gives you a little confidence in your own subject matter expertise and breaks the ice to start a rapor with the students.
