new instructor
What tips would you give to a new instructor during orientation, who has not taught prior to this position?
Hi Courtney,
We are all human! Do not beat yourself up. As a new instructor there is a lot to learn, but with time you will get better. Just keep trying real hard, and remember preparation is key!
Patricia
As a new instructor I have really benefited from this piece of advice. I learned to be flexable and not let schedule changes or lesson plan changes ruin the whole class period. I also found that students are very forgiving when it comes to slip-ups and changes.
Hi Donna,
As a new instructor you certainly have to do all of these things on Day 1 to make a strong presence. Students really do try to read you.
Patricia
I feel the instructor should be confident, and
be prepared. Know the material, show the student
you are in control of the class. Set class rules
the first day.
Hi,
I agree. Being over-prepared goes a long way. I never ran out of material to cover for a class during this first year. On the contrary, I had too much to cover and not enough time.
I would say Be Flexible. Be willing to try to reach your students but don't be too upset if something doesn't work or needs adjustment. I found I learned more from my first batch of students than I ever learned in the classroom about how to teach adult learners. I learned mostly that each students needs are very different and you really have to put forth effort to try and reach each student on an individual and class level. If you are willing to be flexible while still being firm you will always come out ahead.
Students are very testy when they think they know something that an instructor doesn't. Always try to be one step ahead of them when discussing the material. Try to predict challenging questions and have the answers prepared.
I have been an instructor for a year now and I have learned that it is better to be respected than liked.
Being a new instructor can be intimadating, knowing your material and being comfortable presenting the information is vital to any class. I too, find if I practice before hand the class will run smoothly.
Know your material. Students can be very challenging during the first year o instruction
Hi Kathy,
As knowledgeable as we are, we don't know everything. It is better to say I don't know, but I will find out, than to try to makeup an answer. Students really appreciate your honesty.
Patricia
I agree with Pamela. Never try to bluff your way through an answer. Students will compare your answer to that of other instructors, and to information they find on the internet and in their textbooks.
If you admit that you don't know the answer but promise to come back with an answer the next day, they will respect you for that.
It also helps to take some of the pressure off of them. Students often feel that they must remember every minute detail of a subject to be successful. Admitting that you don't know everything will help students relax some and focus on main points and on practical skills.
In the field I teach in, new instructors need to have a minimum of 3 years FT work experience to be considered for positions that utilize their work experience. Doing the work and presenting it to students is very different! As a new instructor you will want to try to teach them "everything". You probably can't do that. Stick to the curriculum, and use your work experience to brighten the teaching. Be enthusiastic about the work! Pass on your passion for the work, but be prepared for the lesson at hand!
You may also encounter questions from students that you just do not know the answer to. If the question is appropriate to the material in the course, it is ok to say I don't know that, but will find out, or you could ask the student to research it and share it with the class next time. DO NOT TRY TO BLUFF YOUR WAY THROUGH!!
If the question is unrelated or inappropriate, ask to student to talk to you after class, but do not take up the time of the other students with such questions.
Move around the room instead of standing behind a podium when you talk if you can. Students have a limited attention span - moving helps to stretch that. 5-10 minute breaks each hour helps with the glazed eyes. Plan activities that get students up and moving. For long class periods, alternate activities and covering new material. Some of my classes are scheduled until 10:00pm, and after 8:30pm I have to make sure there is meaningful activity. There is often at least one student, in an evening class, that asks, "Are we going to get out early tonight?". Nip that in the bud!!! On rare occasion it may be that you do not have enough material to go until the end of the class period, but you should come prepared with extra materials just in case. Students are paying a lot of money for our expertise!! We need to give them all they are paying for!
Hi Ablert,
Preparation is key. Students sure can tell quickly when you are unprepared, and the complaints will begin to start once they determine your unpreparedness.
Patricia
It is imperative that you are prepared for the class. Students sense fear and recognize unpreparedness. The better you know the material, the more confident you will be.
Hi Joyce,
As mentioned, make sure you are prepared and confident.
Patricia
Know your material! Practice in front of a family member or friend so you will feel in comfortable speaking in front of the class.
