Being prepared for class is key. I review my lesson plan the day before. If there are any topics I don't feel totally comfortable with I do more research so that I can present the material with confidence. I also have any handout material printed and on the students desk when they arrive.
Hi Barbara,
When you are confident and prepared, anxiety decreases.
Patricia Scales
For me being prepared, knowing course requirements/grading/attendance, class room management rules, knowing my behavioral/communication style and being able to adapt of other communication styles, a plan B, willingness to be flexible with "life situations" and knowing I'm an expert in the subject matter.
Hi Sean,
Preparation is key! Being prepared increases confidence and decreases anxiety!
Patricia Scales
Prepare, prepare, prepare! I have so many handouts and activities as back up it's crazy. I have to know that I will have enough to fill the class time. Another way I get rid of anxiety is talking with my students before class. We discuss our weekends, etc. This puts me and ease and getting out from behind the desk will definitely make the students feel more comfortable talking with you and coming to you with questions.
Being prepared! It happens all the time. I have trained new instructors and they sit and watch the presentation as a student. It is a great review for them. When it is their time at the plate, they fall on their face. You can lead the horse to water but you can't make them drink...
I think it's important to visit the room you'll be in well before the class meets. Walk around. Test all the equipment (computer, projector, remotes, document camera, lights, switches, etc). Visualize yourself giving an awesome lecture. This boosts your confidence and helps reduce the chances that you start your class with a room full of student eyes on you as you struggle with logging onto a computer and getting technology to cooperate!
Being prepared for the class in number one! Also getting to class early and personally saying hello to students allows for an immediate connections with the students. I agree with the rest of the recommendations in the training. Great info!
I think a lot about this. Fantastic suggestion. Thank you
I've been the "new teacher" several times over now-- switching from 7th and 8th grade English, to high school, and now college. The best advice is to over-prepare for class. Plan really solid lessons, make up excellent lecture notes and power points etc., and practice what you are going to do in class the day before the class meets. Preparation goes a long way in reducing anxiety!
This is a tough one. I've been teaching for almost 13 years and even still on the first day of class I get butterflies. I agree with the other posters here that being prepared is essential. However, I've learned one important lesson over the years: the students are just as nervous as you are. Talk to them as they enter the room. Say hello and ask how they are doing. You'll realize this is true as soon as you talk to them. As you establish the general rapport of the class, remember your purpose is to not only educate but create a comfortable environment for learning.
Hi Callie,
Great practices to have in place to reduce anxiety. You have to be prepared so that the confidence level shows.
Patricia Scales
Be Prepared, practice, an instructor has more knowledge then the students in the area of study. After teaching the class you can always take notes in which areas you want to improve.
Until I have taught a class using the material particular to a school, I must be very methodical and go over the text, answer any questions and know the vocabulary. It is not a quick process but it does give me a confidence that I know what the students are expected to learn from the material and can anticipate questions.
Hi Rose,
You are on point! Students know if you are ready, and the moment they conclude that you are unprepared/unorganized they will look at you in a different light and will damage your reputation.
Patricia Scales
The human side of an individual can also cause the students to know your weak side and cause some manipulation. Student know if you are organized and if your are not prepared.
Hi Dewayne,
Preparation is key! Students need us to be prepared so that we can equip them with as much knowledge as possible so that they can be successful.
Patricia Scales
Pre-class nerves and anxiety can be reduced by preparing an outline, being confident and focusing on the task at hand.
I have been teaching various age groups for years and I seem to always get nervous or the feeling of being unprepared. I always try and remember we are all human and I have been taught how to teach and I am the expert in my field.
being prepared. Read your lecture before hand. Study your lecture before presenting to the class.
