I usually start each class with a review of the previous class session--briefly reviewing the important concepts and points that were covered. I then segway to an overview of what will be covered in the current class. I find this always reduces the jitters.
Hello Tangelia,
Preparation, organization, and knowledge are key!
Patricia
Hi Cynthia,
What types of things have you learned from your students by asking open ended questions?
Patricia
I like to introduce each subject and to ask the students open - ended questions about the subject. I feel this has helped to establish open lines of communication between myself & the students.
Hi Keith,
You have to make the students believe you are a guru in the subject area, and it takes confidence, organization, and preparation to do this. Keep striving, you are going to be just fine! I was once where you are 21 years ago
Patricia
Hi Cory,
Preparation is key! When you're at ease, your students are at ease.
Patricia
I find that the more prepared I am for the class the more at ease I am...I always make sure I have all of my notes, my copies and so forth...that way everything goes much smoother and much easier.
Hi Guy,
So you use a totally different approach to ease anxiety. What made you come up with this as an icebreaker? I know most people love to eat.
Patricia
I am a new instructor myself I think you have to go in with self confidence and rely on the fact
that you know more about the field than the student.
I try to break the ice by asking about what anyone cooked over the weekends or holidays. Share my experiences at eating out a places and asking them for the places they may have eaten and then try to ease into the course for the day. It gets me moving and gets that little dry mouth out of the way!
Hi Christina,
It is always better to have too much than to have too little.
Patricia
Overprepare. I find that when I can fill up more than the required lecuture material, my classes move forward more smootly. I also allot time for questions and discussion of concepts and theories to make sure that each student is grasping the ideas.
I feel that being organized and prepared will help a great deal. If the instructor is prepared before he or she comes to class, then anxieties will be greatly reduced.
Some good ways to overcome pre-class anxiety is to first of all pray. Secondly remembering that you are the key person in a students life with a story to tell and knowledge to give to help them becoming the shining stars of tomorrow. Read self help books and suround yourself with people that will encourage you and let you know are able to do the job.
Hi Robert,
This topic can service as a good inservice. Get with your Director of Education.
Patricia
Hi Erin,
I concur. The more prepared and organized you are the less stressful you are.
Patricia
First of all, there should be some kind of training. There could be a new instructor's survival guide.
Second, preperation.
Since being a Pastry chef we have problems with being very detail oriented and organized. I am less stressed when I am fully prepared and organized for the day/ demo lecture, I have many lists with boxes to be checked off once the task has been completed. The more organized I am the more relaxed and ready for the day I am
Hi Caroline,
It is better to have too much material than to not have enough.
Patricia
Hi Stephen,
Setting up before hand is key, especially if technology is involved.
Patricia
