Hi Lawrence,
The more you teach, the more comfortable you will become. For some confidence is gained over time. I have known others to walk into class on Day 1 with great confidence. Each instructor is different.
Patricia Scales
I liken it to getting your "Sea-Legs". Once you become comfortable you can walk into any class and talk about anything. It may take some time.
I make sure I know and understand the content I am going to teach. I connect with the content personally by identifying examples or how it has applied to my career.
Get to the first day of class early. Go over your lesson plan and the class sylabus. BE PREPARED!
My first instructional class was tough for me as I had rehearsed the class prior to class time and when questions pulled me off script I got tongue tied. I found letting the outline of the class unfold around the objectives kept me better focused, and the class flowed better.
I have been teaching for 4 years and have found the only time I am nervous anymore is on the first day of class. I have found that the absolute best way to get rid of the anxiety is to be overly prepared for class. I try to think of every possible question a student might ask me, based on both how nursing students' brains work and former questions I've received. By adequately preparing, I increase my personal confidence in the topic, thus decreasing my anxiety.
Be over prepared. I learned in the beginning timing of lectures. I would spend hours on a lecture thinking it would be fine for a two hour class and I would finish with in the first hour. From then on I always have extra stuff ready to go, so that does not happen again.
Hi Melinda,
I have been teaching for 25+ years, and I have never had two clases that I taught the same way because each student is different.
Patricia Scales
EAch Class is Different so after the first couple of days when class start or getting to know the students I take notes on what works and what does not work and I build my lesson around the students that I have at that time.
I like to come in early and do all of my prep work. I list the days agenda on the board and set all handouts on the tables for easy access.
I like this idea. It promotes confidence and promotes solving for possible problems or glitches.
One good thing is been early in the classroom, set everything and chat with the first students arrived. This will help you to be more confident with the rest of the class.
I go over the material the day before, refresh my memory. This is my first attempt at teaching. I know I have a long way to go. My anxiety is getting to be less and less each time I teach the module.
An important way that educator can diminish their levels of anxiety is by endeavoring to promote a positive rapport with every class that they teach. The earlier instructors begin to think of the students and themselves in their classes as ‘us’, instead of conceptualizing a ‘me versus them’ position, interpersonal synergies shift and classes manage to become collectively more active and learning-oriented. Once instructors sense that their classes are ‘with’ rather than ‘against’ them, teaching resolve into less of a contest and can feel more comfortable and assured.
Ms. Scales,
It does not matter how long you have been teaching, the nerves and anxiety is always there, especially when starting a new class. I like to arrive early, review all the material that will be used for that first day. Once the students have arrived, we go around introducing each other and share a tidbit about ourselves, this helps break the ice and the students feel comfortable and welcome in the classroom.
Patricia,
The way I overcame my nerves and anxiety is by talking to my Program Director. I was so nervous and scared I almost missed the first day of class. He gave me advice about how the class should be conducted and a good boost of confidence. It worked and I appreciated him talking to me, because it really did help.He is my secret weapon!
Jacqueline Coleman
Always remember you are the expert and ensure to prepare as such.
I like to get in the classroom early and set out the material and training aids refresh myself with the material and look back at the course before and reflect on the things that worked out best and change the things that didn't.
Hi Paula,
Yes, we all make mistakes! Admit your mistakes and move on. No one is perfect. Confess when you mess up.
Patricia Scales
