New instructor jitters
I'm in my third week of new instructor training,along with sitting in a class for two weeks prior observing, I feel I am becoming more and more relaxed but also feel that I should be at a more comfortable state than I am when I give my lessons. Any help to get me in my comfort zone quicker would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Hi Glen,
Being nervous and showing that you are nervous are two different things. After 30 years of teaching I am still a bit nervous before starting a new class since I am having new students. On the other hand students can sense fear, like blood in the water and they will take advantage of that teacher. New instructors need to prepare and plan to the best of their ability to be ready because the nerves are going to be there no matter what, they just need to try and suppress them as much as possible.
Gary
I have been in the field several years. Everyone is nervous at first. One comment I heard was face the fear, or we have nothing to fear by fear itself.
I am an oldtimer and that was a long time ago. I can remember having a new instructor in high school (more than 45 years ago) who was nervous. It seemed like he didn't know what he was doing. The students in his class gave him a hard time.
Hi Mark,
Good analysis of what an instructor has to do. You are trying to individualize education for the masses. That is a challenging job as you mention. The key is to know enough about each student to zero in quickly on what might be of help to that person that day. By having materials ready to present in different learning preferences you can reach the majority of your students within their preferences. This will reduce the number of students needing your attention each day. As you use the different learning preferences you will see each group of students succeed because they are within their comfort zone for receiving input.
Gary
Hi Gary,
I think the most important thing I've learned is how to deal with multiple needs and personalities at the same time. My professional career was usually dealing with one person at a time. Teaching of course involves a whole class of students, each with a different personality and needs, the latter which can vary from day to day. One might be afraid, another might be indifferent, another feeling stupid, etc. Trying to quickly nail in on where a student's mind is at is at the core of my daily effort of trying to reach each person in class.
Hi Mark,
Great story about your first day of teaching. You are right about every point you made. You are the "subject matter expert" and that give you confidence in what you are going to do in the classroom. After three years you are well on your way to being a "instructional delivery expert".
What has been the most important thing you have learned about your teaching over the past three years?
Gary
Having been a professional in my field of motion picture makeup for 25 years, on the first night of teaching my first class solo I was understably nervous. I looked in the room and saw it was as packed as an airport waiting lounge at Christmas. Knowing my edge was my technical expertise, I said to myself inside: "You've forgotten more about movie makeup than any of these students know," took a deep breath, walked in and introduced myself. Everything after that the first night was a bit easier. Three years later, I still get the jitters now and then prior to a new class.
Hi Duane,
Nerves are not a bad thing. As you say they can help you to stay on top of things. Use the nerves to keep you on your A game and then settle into having a most enjoyable and rewarding course.
Gary
I think it just takes time. I have talked to experienced instructor and they still get nervous talking to new people at first. I still do this myself.
I think if I am not a little nervous, there is something wrong. This helps me stay focused on what I am suppose to be teaching.
Response to Gary,
I like your approach and believe we should begin class with introductions and establishing a rapport with students. Ice breakers help to set the tone and allow students to feel involved as a group. Bringing in personal experience also allows students to know that the instructor is not there taking up space but may actually have a passion for the topic they are teaching. I interact with the students the first day and let them know that I am here for their success and for the ultimate outcome of not only learning the material but in having a successful career. Sharon
Hello David,
Yes, I can relate to scared beyond reason. I'm going to be teaching an arcane and ancient trade (boat building) with lots of visual- spatial skills involved. The old fashioned blackboard and a piece of chalk has been a great comfort for me. Writing and drawing seem to help me organize my thoughts and maintain focus.
My teaching mentor once told me the following when I was a little unsure before teaching a new subject " In the land of the blind the one eyed man is king". You know more about the subject than your students do or you wouldn't be the teacher. If they do ask something you don't know admit it but find the answerbefore the next session or maybe make it an asginment for the class to find the answer.
take a deep breath relax and by the time the students finish introducing themselves you will be fine
Karl,
I think everybody who has taught before has gone through this. I feel that way evry time I get in front of a new class. I think when I don't feel that way is when it is time to move on.
I feel the same way as I am still training and have yet to stand in front of a real class. I seem to tighten up when I begin my presentation.
Hi David,
Good advice. Thanks for sharing this with other instructors. Glad to hear about your success in the classroom. Hope your story will inspire others to continue in the teaching profession.
Gary
I had never spoken to more than 5 people at one time in my life when I first started teaching. I was scared beyond reason. Have each student introduce themselves and tell a little about their background, including their reasons for attending school and introduce yourself and talk briefly about your own career. Don't go too in depth, just enough to help make you feel comfortable talking to a large group. It also gives the students the wow factor, "this guy has done a lot, I can learn from him."
Hope this helps
No matter how many times you teach a lesson or go over the material you will allways be nervous the first start of a new class. i have found that the best way to relaxe and slow down the jitters is too interact with the student by asking them what the did before comming to school here and were they grow up when you have a relaxed conversasion things start to just roll out like the lesson plan and what the student feel is a good way to guage the class and their learning abilities.
the key is they don`t know what they are to be getting anyway
