First Day Teaching
How do you get over the fear of walking in your class the first day and start teaching. I am very nervous about it, I know I can do it and will get use to it, but the first day is what scares me. Ive been a dental assistant for 25 years and now am going into teaching dental. Right now I am in the lab which is easy and I enjoy, its the classroom setting I haven't done yet. The thought of my first day and keeping the whole class's attention makes me nervous. Any suggestions to overcome my fear? thanks
Hi Chhayaben,
Good way to lay out the expectations of a course that I am sure is perceived as being stressful and challenging for students. This approach should help them to see what it is they are going to have to do to be successful and what the expectations are.
Gary
As we all now that first impression is the best impression.
I am teaching statistics in one of the career college. So basically i am working with all different level of age group in same class. I always spend first few minutes for introduction of each other.I would like to start my fist day of class with discussion about their name, goal, reason to take this class and major, and their future plan. By giving introductory test/quit will help me to evaluate their level of subject knowledge too.
Before giving test/quiz, i always give the copy of prospect, which includes-course name and subject code, number of chapters covered, home work assignments and their due dates, quiz dates and chapters, grading system, attendance policy, dress code policy, weighted grading system and some of the basic school rules and regulation(discipline ) for students.
First prep. test will help me to prepare my next lesson plan
I agree with doing ice breakers on the first day. I always enjoyed classes as a student where the instructor gave us some time to get to know who is in our class. It is nice to know who your peers are along with your professor.
Now when I do ice breakers in my class I enjoy hearing about the students I am going to teach and seeing their individual personalities.
I agree. Ice breakers are important and can be very fun!
That first night is so crucial. First appearances often set the stage for the entire quarter!
Hi Lynn,
I agree this is the "human factor" of teaching. By showing this part of your life you are showing your students that you have been a student, walked in their shoes and that you have extensive experience in the field and you are going to share that experience with them.
This is a great set up for learning and student engagement.
Gary
When I do an ice breaker, I find that it is important to share information about myself. The students need to get to know your personality and background.
It is also important to communicate to the students that you repsect them and the skills and knowledge they bring to class
Hi Thomas,
Thank you for sharing your advice with new instructors. It does get better as you say, they just need to stick with it and expand their abilities to share their field and their experience with the students.
Gary
Welcome to the first day / first time jitters. I spent 30 years in the electrical and electronics field. I was a trainer for a short period of time while in the military service. I was hired to teach a computer and electronic technician course for a private career college. Needless to say, not having formally done this, I was having my worst day of stage fright and tongue tying. Now, two years this November, I get in front of a class knowing that my expertise in the field, continuing learning in the classroom along with the students, and practical experience have gained me the confidence needed to allow for a more relaxed pursuit of the teaching skills without fear. Hang in there! It does get better!
Thank you for the first day ice breaking tip of humor, I love it.
Hi Scott,
I really like to use these types of attention getters to start a class. With you being in criminal justice you have the perfect setting to shock and aw your students. This way you have them engaged from the very beginning. Great work!
Gary
I use several activities related to the lesson plan and/or class objectives. In the criminal justice field this is very easy. Unfortunately for many, but fortunately for CJ instructors, someone is always in the news being arrested, assaulted, etc. I often create activities based on local news events (trials) or national events. I use these activities to “make learning fun.†I try to finish a lesson with an activity. It is not only fun, but this is a measuring stick to see whether or not I have done a good job explaining the topic, and whether the students are retaining the material. When done, students generally retain much of the lesson when they actually are “doing†rather than simply listening to a lecture. I always live by the motto : “make learning fun.â€
You are correct. This always helps in class. Students tend to relate to instructors more when you add humor. I think it puts them at ease?
When I first started teaching criminal justice courses, I tried to start the first class with something really eye opening, or a real attention getter for students, and of course, I used something I am very familiar with. As an example, if I am teaching a criminal justice class, any criminal justice class, I would create a small crime scene in the class room so when students FIRST arrive they are immediately interested. They start asking questions, etc., I start explaining, pretty soon the dialogue and interaction is great and I feel comfortable with the students s they do with me. This “crime scene†has helped me as an instructor transition into teaching the class and/or being comfortable in before this group. I am now at ease and so are the students. Before long, we then get away from the crime scene, and it seems the students are really engaged and enthused about class, and as the instructor, I really just eased into the class nicely.
I think that a little humor will set a comfortable tone in the classroom...
Hi Dawn, I completely understand how you feel. Last quarter was my first time teaching and I was a nervous wreck. Start the first day with an ice breaking activity, get to know the students, find out why they are there and then give them your background. Hope this helps and good luck!
Hi Dawn,
We have all been there if that is of any help to you. One way to get through the classroom session is to have some activities planned. These activities can involve small group problem solving, games or case studies. The key is to divert some of the attention to the students themselves as you get settled into your position as the instructor. Then you can call the class together and discuss what they have just been through. This makes the session less formal and allows you to get over your nerves. Before you know it you will have forgotten your nerves and are focusing on the course content and the learning of your students.
Gary
