First teaching experience jitters
I was super nervous teaching my first class. Things I thought I had organized fell apart. I really learned from that experience and I just focus on being as prepared as I possible can be. I decide in advance how I am going to break up the groups for group assignments. I have that written in the margin of my class outline. I just want to get everything flowing as easily as possible.
I had a similar experience. No preparation time, and I was super nervous walking into class. But it was also similar in that I was able to relax once I got to the class and focus on teaching. now that I'm comfortable in front of the students, it's time to work on getting rid of the anxiety outside of the classroom!
Amy,
Thank you for sharing this good advice for instructors. I know it will be valuable especially new instructors.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I was very nervous too. Being prepared and having a plan and a checklist has really helped to help me stay focused and confident during my lecture and lab time of instruction.
Jaimee,
Glad you made it through your trial by fire. Tough way to start a teaching career but it sounds like you did a good job and now are getting settled into being a learning leader and content expert. I wish you continued teaching success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I was "thrown" into my first teaching experience. I had no time to prepare. I decided that I would walk into the classroom, be myself, and not be afraid to admit to my students that I don't know it all but that I would give them my all with what I did know. They seemed to respect that and everything ended well.
Craig,
Spoken like a true professional. You were presented a challenge and you rose to the occasion and delivered. This is what bring satisfaction as you reflect on how you were able to provide information to your program directors.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
We have all had experiences like that. I had a day to throw together a lecture and teach it to all the program directors for my current position. That was stressful but after the first minute or two I took control and things moved smoothly.
Catherine,
You make a very good point. Experience is the foundation upon which you build all of your other teaching opportunities. So keep doing your best and before long you are going to have the experience you desire and you are going to be well on your way as a master teacher.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
My first teaching experience was in front of the interview board. I had a week to prepare and I practiced, practiced, practiced, timed it, knew the material front and back but, when I finished I still felt that I could have done things differently. I think just getting the experience of teaching will help a lot.
Tom,
Thank you for sharing this experience with us. You were able to adapt quickly to the situation and capture the attention of your students. This is how teaching experience is gained and instructional effectiveness expanded.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I inherited my first class from someone who could best be described as "Charlie Brown's teacher", as scared as I was at first I soon realized that as soon as I dropped the "script" my students became involved and paid attention. For me the trick was to relax and let my knowledge and experience flow.
It was important that you had jitters, because that showed you were human. The most important factor was that you picked up the pieces and continued on a successful day. Your students probably ha no clue that you felt you had fallen apart. Being prepared helped you to demonstrate confidence and allowed your classroom the continuity it needed.
Sandra,
This is what I call "getting an edge". By doing this rehearsal you are getting comfortable with your material so when you are in front of your students and the pressures of being the instructor come together you have the knowledge you know your material and have been over it in your head. This way you can have more confidence as you present it and your students are going to appreciate the fact you are prepared. I commend you for this effort and the impact it has your the learning of your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I feel the same way. I prepare with notes and checklists but once I get in front of the class I get "stage fright". I've learned that after preparing my notes I need to rehearse in my head over and over how I am going to present the material. I've found that I am more relaxed if I do this. Sometimes the rehearsing involves talking out loud to myself.
Sherry,
I think most of us have been there and experienced what you experienced. As you have found spending some time in the classroom or lab really helps with understanding how the courses will flow, how much time is needed and how to keep everything organized. This is what instructional development is all about. Keep up the good work!
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
