Do's and Don't for new instructor.
DO be in class before your students arrive. Say hello-o and smile as each student arrives.WErite your name and the course name on the board. After introducing yourself start your class with an ice breaker. Define your skills. Always mange your clasroom in a professional matter
Never say this is my first time teaching. Never say because this is my first time are you my gennie pig. Never say I don't know without saying, but I will locate the answer and get back with you. Never appear confused.
Never let the student control your classroom.
Do: Practice, practice, practice. New instructors must practice their lessons/lectures prior to implementing them into the classroom. This will help identify any gaps in subject matter, help work through transitions and will ultimately make the instructor appear more professional to the class.
Don't: Fake it. Adult learners will always know if you are faking it. If a question arises to which you don't know the answer, admit it. Ask any of the students if they know the answer (they are adults, they might) or tell the class that you will look it up and get back to them during the next session (then do it).
Use a multi-modal approach to help reach out to all students. You can't please everyone.
I agree with this comment. My advice to first-time teachers is:
(1) Don't be afraid that you won't be able to answer their questions. You know more than they do, no matter what. Sometimes we forget that because we have been in the field for a long time, certain knowledge is second-nature to us. (2) Don't let the students "smell fear." As Adelia said above, be confident and act like you've been teaching forever, even if it's your first class. Students will respond accordingly.
(3) If students ask you a question to which you really don't know the answer,turn the question around and see what that student thinks might be the answer, open it up to the class, and finally do tell the class that you will have a more detailed answer for them next class -- and make sure you do!
Being punctual is something that students respect and appreciate.On my first day as an instructor I was very nervous and serious but obviously I never mentioned it to any one, at the end I think that that being serious made them more attentive to my class.
Hi Sara,
Good to hear how you have developed as a professional educator. This is what growth is all about. As you expand your expertise the more impact you will have on the learning of your students.
Gary
These things were hard for me not to do. When I came into my new teaching job, all the students knew that I was coming. So I overcame this by showing them that I knew what I teaching about. They first questioned other instructors about things that I had taught, but now they do not feel the need to do so anymore.
I was in this situation. I was assigned an oral comunications class, and I had never taken an oral comunication class, much less taught one. I found an instructor who had been teaching it for years, took a weekly lesson from him on my next week's lecture, and didn't tell my class about the situation until the last day, when we were wrapping up.
They all said they believed I had been teaching the subject for years.
If you portray confidense, your students will believe it.
Hi Efelda,
Good advice for all instructors. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Gary
Hi Annette,
Yes, they will. By setting the stage that you are in control, that you have their best interest at heart and you want them to be successful you will be in a good position to move the class forward.
Gary
THE FIRST THING I DO IS TO WRITE IN THE BOARD WHAT WE AIMING TODAY TO THE CLASS AND WHAT IS OUR LECTURE WILL BE AND I NEVER TELL MY STUDENTS THAT THIS IS MY FIRST TIME IF I SAY THAT THE STUDENTS WILL NOT GONNA RESPECT YOU OR LISTEN TO YOU BECAUSE THEY WILL KNOW THAT YOU DONT HAVE ANY EXPERIENCE OF TEACHING.I ALWAYS ACT PROFESSIONAL AND GREET THEM EVERYTIME THEY COME IN IN THE CLASS.
I am so thankful for the this same advice I received from another instructor before teaching my very first class. Students will ATTACK if you're not in control.
