New Instructor
This is my first time teaching in a classroom atmosphere. I have trained and provided presentations in my previous job. So, I am not too nervous to stand in front of a classroom, my nerves are more due to the new challenges this will provide.
What are some words of advisability for a new instructor who has never taught in a classroom setting with students who are either beginning their first career or who were displaced and are acquiring a new career?
What happens if I am challenge and cannot come up with a response? I know to be honest and state do not know and that I will get the answer for you or can I throw it out to the class to come up with an answer as teamwork, is that feasible?
Hi Laura,
I was in your same shoes three years ago. I had all the technical skills to teach the subject matter but never taught before. Throwing the question out to the class to see if someone has an answer is a good strategy. This also takes some of the spotlight off of you and lets the student(s) become responsible for their own development. This also allows them to develop some research skills by locating the answer. I know you'll do fine. Good luck!
Mellisa Meeks
It can be uncomfortable, but it presents the perfect situation to get the whole class involved in a discussion.
I guess that's normal for them to compare me to the old teacher, and expect me to be the same.. Time should take care of that I'm sure... :-)
Hi Raymond,
Taking over mid-stream is always a challenge for an instructor. The students have gotten use to the other instructor and now have to adjust to you. The key is to lay out your expectations clearly and then show the students how they can be successful in the course. Don't spend a lot of time listening to students telling you how the other instructor ran the class. That is history and you are a part of their future. Help them see that and it won't be long before you will have earned their respect and confidence.
Gary
I am a New Instructor at a Career College too, and I can relate to all the topics here. I am not necessarily nervous about the challenge and/or being able to give lecture and presentations. I am a bit concerned about stepping in at the middle of the term and taking over from a previous teacher who may have thought way differently. How would I make this transition smooth for the students, and be sure that I don't lose them in the process?
I too am a new instructor in the career college setting. I feel the pressure of fewer hours to cover the topics. I know I will get used to it, but right now getting through reviewing the information in multiple texts, writing lesson plans, developing weekly quizzes, making homework assignments, and doing all these many hours of computer training feels like it is swallowing me whole and pushing the focus of connecting and teaching the students into the background. I will suggest to my school giving all this material they want done for 1st time instructors, farther in advance than 2 weeks!
That said, I have always used the technique of tossing the question back to the class. 1) If they were not listening to their peer you will see it in their faces. This gives a reading on how engaged the class is at that moment 2)This always stimulates class discussion and often more questions. 3)Sometimes as the discussion occurs the students are actually teaching each other and you will find parts of your class content covered 4)Hearing how students answer the questions gives me a take on how they are thinking. I feel like I am getting into their heads and can use that information to formulate future lessons and strategies.
Gerald
I do not believe one would lose control of the class if the challenge is open to everyone. Yesterday, while reviewing English, we were talking about helping verbs and a couple of times I was asked to clarified a concern so I did throw it to the class - after a few volunteers their input, it made it easier for me to further explain helping verbs and everyone seem to understand helping verbs better. Their input made it easier for me as a new instructor.
I too have just started in a teaching position. I would tell the student I would get back to them I prefer to get the answers. I would think you may loose control of the class and its direction?
Hi Laura,
Welcome to the profession. I wish you much success in your teaching efforts.
The key is to present yourself as caring supportive human being. Knowing that you care about their success if important for students. Make sure that you are well organized and prepared. This helps to position you as the class leader.
You have a good experience base as a result of your work and presentation efforts before becoming a teacher. This will give you an edge when starting the new class.
I wouldn't worry about being challenged. Challenges generally don't come until you are well into the material. This means you can get settled into the class routine and the students start getting comfortable. When the challenges come do just what you wrote about and let them know that you don't know but will get back to them with the answer the next class meeting. The strategy of throwing it out to the class is a good one as well because it generates discussion and enables the class to focus on a common goal--answering the question that has been raised.
Gary
