I agree that reviewing the PowerPoint prior to class is a good idea. I also print a version of the PPT for myself and write notes or talking points in the margins. This has worked well for me.
Hi Nicholas,
Preparing more than what you need can really act as a safety net in the event your lesson goes faster than planned. You have material prepared to fall back on to continue with class.
Patricia
Preparing is important. overpreparing can be a problem. Usually I prepare more than enough.
Hi Sunshine,
Preparation is a sure way to reduce anxiety! New instructors should practice preparing a week in advance. Any time I teach a course for the first time, I stay a week a head of my students to ease my tension.
Patricia
Hi Christa,
Preparation is key! Some people are quick thinkers and there are others that must have things well thought out. Continue to be prepared, and you will have great success.
Patricia
Hi Marge,
Preparation is key! It is human nature to be nervous because you want to make an impression by doing a fabulous joy. It is okay to be nervous as long as you do not let the nervousness overtake you.
Patricia
I am a new instructor and I have had the anxiety kick in quite a few times. My students like to be one step ahead of me at all times. They are a motivated group, so I have to really over prepare for class, and to keep it interesting, I challenge them to learn something new related to massage in between days of class for discussion. Teaching them something new is a very exciting thing, considering I am a rookie instructor. They excitement and intensity in the classroom motivates me to bring everyday a better experience for my students. Max Knowledge is helping me to refine the skills that I have all ready.
Be prepared, have your lesson plan written out, plan for extra activities if you finish your lesson plan early. Review the Power Points before you show them, this way you already have an idea of what you want to say to the students to teach them the concepts.
In addition, I have a sheet with a list of questions to ask them during the lecture.
I'm always nervous on the first day, so I really overprepare for that class. But, by the 2nd or 3rd class, I know the students and how the class will flow (generally), and I'm able to relax a little. It also helps to make sure the classroom is set up with everything I need or make sure I bring what I need into the classroom.
I find a combination of thorough/over preparation and the ability to respond to my students' needs as they arise is the key. While it sounds anxiety-inducing, the ability to be spontaneous helps me when I find my preparation has resulted in a stuffy, rigid-feeling class. But the preparation enables me to be spontaneous, too, as I'm very good at thinking on my feet when I know what I'm talking about.
Being organized is the biggest solution for me. I like to map out about how long or each in-class assignment and develop noted for each. I will also walk through the assignment with a family member or friend (who is not a subject matter expert)and ask for their opinion as to how long each in-class assignment will take and if the notes make sense.
Hi Michael,
Great list! I can tell you thoroughly prepare for your classes, and you are very organized! I am sure your students appreciate your professionalism.
Patricia
Preparation is key. I have read that one of the biggest issues new instructors have with preparation is not reading the course text thoroughly. Knowing the material before you walk into the classroom is important and will go far in reducing anxiety.
Over-prepare by planning lecture/activities that go beyond the minimum class time so you are certain to have material to work with if a section goes too quickly or doesn't work out.
Hi Heather,
Excellent! What a great way to make a long period of time so worthwhile and probably not feel as long as it really is.
Patricia
Preparation is key. Have a class plan and write it on board. Have group projects prepared so that one can listen and reflect. Break time use to also reflect and check progress. Here is when adjustments can be made seemlessly and not in full view. Have enough for 2 classes so one never runs out of material. Engage students and share my background and experiences. An icebreaker for class and teacher always helps.
I always start class with asking the students how their days have gone. I figure by asking them how they are doing it makes everything a little more personable so there is less anxiousness.
I teach 4-6 hour classes. Instead of trying to tackle the whole time in my planning, I plan out hour blocks of time that flow together...like mini classes. I always have a lecture and a project or worksheets for each block. If one blocks takes to long, it is no problem because I can always cut an activity short or if one block goes extrememly fast, I do not panic because I have plenty of other materials planned. I organize my materials into 'my blocks' as well so I walk into the classroom organized and ready to start.
I organize my classes in a small notes with bullet items of things to talk about and/or review, down to taking attendance and collecting work. I also keep a binder with handouts/papers in plastic sheets that correspond with the lessons/chapters that can be easily pulled and copied and incorporated into the lecture.
I also try to have more to cover. Our classes are 4 hours long so if the open discussion doesen't progress they way I had thought, I have back up material to introduce as well, my first mod of teaching I didn't have anything more with me and ended up going into the next chapter. I felt the students thought I didn't know what I was doing...but we all learn from our mistakes..i'm much more prepared now
Hi Sally,
I would say go with Ms. Nickle; this acts as a sense of respect for you. However, I do know of some institutions culture being different by allowing instructors to let students call them by their first name. I always introduce myself as Mrs. Scales.
Patricia
