I review notes and work examples in books to boost my confidence level. I might discuss the course with other instructors. I also visualize and try to plan out how much time each topic will take. I talked about 90 miles a minute the first time I taught and delivered all of my material for a 4 hour class in one hour. It was a terrible experience. :)
I have found being confident in delivery and practicing the lecture help resolve anxiety.
Hi David,
Preparation is key! How do you feel "overstructure" of a lesson can be harmful to learning?
Patricia
Hi Joanna,
What do you utilize to minimize instructor anxiety?
Patricia
Great idea... especially the first couple times the class meets. Also, it helps the students to make alliances in the class to help encourage them through out the semester.
To help rid the pre-class jitters, I make sure to be completely prepared and have pre-read all the assignments and readings. I feel more confident that I will be able to answer all the questions appropriately and fully. Also, I like to talk to individuals as they enter the class. This not only helps comfort the students, but me as well. I get to know who I am dealing with and the backgrounds they come from. Also, it helps because I can now use there names in examples and class discussions.
Hi John,
In the profession of teaching, we take our work home with us. Preparation is key. You have used unpreparedness as a lesson learned. What matters most is that you have learned from your mistake. This has made you a better instructor.
Patricia
I am a new instructor and I am finding that all of the "work" is done outside of class time. Preparing for the class makes the in-class delivery so much better. I showed up unprepared once and I NEVER want that feeling again.
I spend time in preparing for the class, organizing content, deciding on in-class exercises, how I can best get students involved. I also try to limit lecture and turn the class back to the students. I have found if I can get the students engaged, my own anxiety decreases. Preparation is a key but "overstructure" of a lesson can be very harmful to learning. Experience allows flexibility within the "plan."
Hi Patricia,
In addition to over-preparing and practicing my lessons, I find that getting to know my students during breaks or before and after class is helpful. Learning about my students allows me to feel comfortable with them and them to feel comfortable with me. When I look out into the classroom, I see friendly faces instead of unfamiliar faces. Also, I can use examples in class that are more relevant to my students.
Michelle
I agree, this is also good to find common ground and some background on there knowledge of the course and material. This will in turn be a great help to identify some students who may be in need of extra help or direction during the course. I use this every course i teach and works out to be a great asset to me helping out the students throughout the course.
Hi John,
It is always a nice icebreaker to start off with an introduction. This is a great bonding period. You find those who have things in common with others.
Patricia
I have always introduced myself to a new class gave my experience and background. Then i would ask them to tell me who they where and why they chose to come to this particular campus. This in turn get the whole class to know each other,including the instructor, and also helps put a name and face together for recognizing the students in class.
Hi Cara,
It is very important to be early for class. Instructors need to show punctuality as well. As instructors, we need to get to class early so that we are ready to begin teaching on the hour.
Patricia
Hi Terri,
These are excellent strategies to use to minimize instuctor anxiety. It sounds like you are thoroughly prepared for your classes. With this preparation, I am sure you walk into class with great confidence.
Patricia
My best way to reduce anxiety, is I thoroughly research the material that I am going to speak on. That way I am sufficiantly prepared. I take really good notes to use while I am lecturing. I also try to have other materials other than lecture to share with the class. I speak with other instructors who have taught the class and get there views, and what helps them with the topic that I will be discussing.
This is a great group activity for a class/cohort that has been together for some time.
I always make sure to make a clear lesson plan and to be in the class room early, if I can. This helps me make sure I have all the tools I need and that everyone can see me and the demo clearly.
I can remember my first day of instructing almost 9 yrs. ago KNOW YOUR MATERIAL LIKE THE BACK OF YOUR HAND! Show that you are confident in what you are giving them,SWEET after or BEFORE class never DURING be consistent untill you are more relaxed don't give yourself away these are adults.
Hi Kirstin,
I share this pointer with new instructors all the time; make sure you are a week a head of your students. Also, ensure that you are organized and know the course content. Confidence comes easier whenever you are fully prepared.
Patricia
