New Instructor Syndrome
As I read through the topic on "new instructor", I saw myself in every case. Students can be very harsh, especially if they find out that the instructor is inexperienced in teaching. One student felt bad for me and tried to assist me on how to instruct the class. In fact, this made the situation worst because that student wanted to let everyone know that I was new instructor and should be given some slack. Eventually, I came out of my shell and obtain management of the class. It gave me self-respect and, in turn, the students respected me.
-Alyce
Hi Eric,
Teaching is no doubt a rewarding career. Just think of the many lives you have impacted and will impact. We are making a big difference in society.
Patricia
It took a while for me to get to the point where I didn't have that anxiety before the start of a new class, but after a while it did go away, and once it does for you this job is very rewarding.
Hi Tasha,
You can not let your students see you sweat. You have to enter the classroom with a lot of confidence,preparation, organization, knowledge, and control, otherwise your students will rip you apart.
Patricia
I was terrified the first class I taught and it showed!!! My students questioned my ability to teach and the compentency of my skills. This made me even more reluctant and afraid. As I began to gain control of my emotions; I gained control of my classroom and my ability to deliver the cirriculum effectively. Which gave my students the reassurance that I was capable of teaching them what they needed to learn.
Hi Kristen,
It is fine to allow students in SOME of the decision making. Students like knowing they have a voice that is being listened to.
Patricia
Hi Alyce,
I am a new instructor as well, and sometimes I feel like I am floundering a bit. The approach that I have found to work (thus far) is to include the students in a few aspects of the decision making process as it pertains to class activities. I do this to teach them to be comfortable making decisions as that is something that they will need to do. They feel important and that they have some 'buy in' in class, and they also learn to listen to eachother and make decisions that benefit the most people.
Hi Alyce,
Some students will come to your aid whenever you can not manage the class, but students should not have to do this. The instructor should be in full control at all times. As you've mentioned, you've learned from this.
Patricia
