New instructor
I'm going to be teaching for the first time in a few weeks, and I'm really nervous about it. I'm comfortable with my subject material, but just afraid of the unknown. Any good tips for a new instructor? How do I keep their attention when I have to cover lecture material that may not be the most exciting?
I've found that interjecting your own personal experiences within that subject matter helps make the experience of the classroom more exciting for the student.
Hi Michelle,
I believe strongly in moving about the room during a lecture or PP presentation. Your movement keeps the attention of the students so they focus on you and your references to what is being shown. This is a good connection for them to make with their minds and eyes. This also is a good class management strategy because your movement takes you close to the different parts of the room. Just make sure in your moving around that you don't block the view of your students and you will be fine.
Gary
Hi Dr. Meers,
When giving a lecture through powerpoint, is it more effective and engaging to capture the students' attention by walking around the room or simply staying in one corner directly facing them?
Thank you,
Michelle
Just make sure that you are not speaking in a monotone, but, instead, conveying a warm and lively voice that shows the students you are truly engaged with the subject matter and, correspondingly, inspires them to be as well!
Hi Kari,
You will do fine. Have way more material ready than you think you will need because you will use it up fast. Plan out different activities that you can use to change the pace of the class. Students need s change after about 15-20 minutes so lecture and then do a Q&A, small group, or problem solving activity. Then go back to the content.
You can keep their attention by presenting them with a concept and then give them an illustration to support the concept. This helps with relevancy and application which are to essential components.
Use humor as a part of your teaching strategy. Share with the students humorous examples of things you have encountered in your career. They really like stories of about their instructor's experiences.
If you have any specific questions about starting the class let me know and I will be glad to answer them for you.
Gary
