New Instructors
Does anyone have pointers on teaching for the first time?
Gary,
Good advice for new instructors. I know your students appreciate your experience and wisdom after 33 years in the field. Share your passion and maintain your excitement your students are benefiting.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think anxiety plays a Large Part in an Instructors first day. I've been told for years that I should teach.It seemed to be in my nature. After 33 plus years of working in the field,I had the opportunity to actually teach something I love. Passion is a good place to start,try not to be overwhelmed ,and if you start feeling that way stop and breath.
John,
There is a saying that reinforces your point. "To Teach is to Learn Twice." We instructors get to bring our passion for our field into the classroom and share our knowledge with our students plus we get paid to do it. That is a win win situation for sure.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Be confident in your knowledge of the field and I think equally important, be yourself. Let the students see you as a person. Learn to laugh at your mistakes and move on. We are all learning to some degree in the classroom.
Tonya,
A critical boundary that cannot be crossed if you are going to maintain your role as the learning leader.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Do not become their "pal". You need to keep your instructor /student relationship professional.
Judy,
Good point. Much like blood in the water attracting sharks. Once the students see a crack in your confidence they will swarm you. So keep in mind you have been successful as a nurse and now get to share that success with your students. Don't let them see you sweat and enjoy sharing your knowledge and expertise with the next generation of professionals to enter your field.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am also a new instructor. This course provides great information about how to get organized etc. On a personal note, the most important aspect for me was to maintain my confidence of my subject matter, which for me is nursing.
Students can be very critical, and if they sense a lack of confidence they may try to exploit it.
Sangria,
Use as many of the tips that you can from this course. Be organized and prepared for the first class meeting. Do an ice breaker to get students talking and interacting with each other as you get a feel for the class and as a learning leader. Bring confidence to the classroom along with passion for your field and enthusiasm for teaching and you will find that you will have success in the classroom.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
