Reducing instructor anxiety
What are some ways to overcome pre-class nerves and anxiety?
Hi Michael,
Humor is a nice icebreaker and is good for all.
Patricia Scales
I think of a comedy skit from either Monty Python or Abbot and Costello
Hi Mary,
As instructors, we have to stick with what we say. If students expect us to follow up with them on something, we must do just that. Students lose respect for instructors when we don't do what we say we are going to do.
Patricia
Hi Kelly,
You have a great plan in place to ensure you cover all bases. It is always good to have too much work than not enough work.
Patricia
Follow through is so important for student rapport. It also teaches a valuable lesson for the workplace. Each student wants to know that you value their questions and concerns. Keep a notebook on your desk and jot down student questions, if you promise to get back to a student, be sure to email before the next class. If the question was something the whole class can benefit from, share it the next class.
I found that having a detailed lecture plan helped easy my anxiety when I first began teaching. Now I do not need as detailed of a lecture plan (more of an outline). I also try to have several "back-up" activities in case I get through the lecture too quickly. Last, the format that I use is lecture, activity, break, group activity, lecture, activity... which keeps students engaged and gives me a break from straight lecturing. During the activities and break I will take time to review my notes as well as walk around and talk with students working on the activities.
Hi Donna,
We have to prepare/study even more than the students. We have to be ready when our students need us, and we have to be able to explain the content in a way so that all students understand. Preparation is key!
Patricia
Study before you teach. We expect our students to read and we need to make sure we read too. I try to anticipate questions and write down replies. I have a guideline to follow for lecture and jot down some experiences to share with them as I go.
Prepare, prepare, prepare. In teaacher college we had to prepare lesson plans by the minute it seemed. The goal was to make sure you had material and places to go. While it seemed tedious at times back then, now it seems that it is embedded into everything I teach.
I agree wholeheartedly! I am always terrified going into a brand new classroom, but the first day of class is often my favorite. It reminds me of my passion for the subject matter and also gives me the opportunity to shake hands and formally introduce myself to my students for the term.
Hi Ellen,
Honesty is the best policy. Whenever you do not know an answer, it is best to admit that you do not know. Students will respect you more for being honest. Students can tell when you are fluffing, and they will lose respect for you. I like it how you involve everyone in finding the answer, and everyone benefits from learning the answer.
Patricia
I reminded myself before every class for the first 4 weeks I taught that I am a professional in my field, I still hold a job in my field and any questions I cant answer, they are just a google entry away from being answered. I also made it a policy of telling my students when I didn't know an answer instead of making it up. I would write the question on the board, and we would all look up the answer and see who could come up with the answer first and turn it into an open forum discussion on why or how so that we could all benefit and learn. As a result my students have always respected the knowledge I have imparted because I am honest in my limit, but I have also learned more about my subject matter as an instructor and am able to present each new class with the material I have learned.
Hi Audrey,
I can tell you are well prepared for your classes, and you lead by example. Thank you for being a super role model for our students and teaching them how to become a professional.
Patricia
Introduce yourself and allow the students to do the same. Tell them a little about you and your hobbies and asks them to share a little about themselves
On the first day of class I was so nervous. It waslike walking into a class fulkl of eyes glued to see what I was going to say. I took a deep breath, advice from a mentor, and introducted myself and told them all about my history as a nurse and as an edducator. I let the students ask questions ad then had each of them introduce themselves and tell me why they were pursuing a career in nursing. it really helped my to get to know them individually and how they were speaking in an open forum. It helped me to see where Work was needed to open up students and where students were that were confident in themselves and their abilities. It wa a great learning experience but having words of wisdom from my mentor before that very first day was a life saver because I was scared to death. Not because of my qualification but my ability to deliver materials in a competent and knowlegable way. It all worked out and I have been very happy with the course over this semester.
I try to be overly prepared. I have several extra activities or discussion topics ready. This ensures that the class always has productive options (not just busy work) in case the class moves faster than anticipated.
I also try to arrive early. This allows me time to get organized and get "in the zone" for teaching. This way, I don't walk into a classroom and have to shuffle papers while answering student questions, collecting homework assignments, and logging into the computer. When everything is already laid out and ready to go, I feel better. This also encourages students to be on time and prepared for class simply because I am early and prepared for class.
Being early also helps to reduce my anxiety about being late because of traffic, having problems with the computer, or forgetting copies. I have time to field all of those challenges because I planned ahead.
Before my very first teaching experience I was so worked up about not doing a good job. I imagined horrible things going wrong and drawing a complete blank when asked a question from a student. Finally, I spoke with one of the instructors I was going to be working with and shared with her all of my anxieties. Talking about my troubles with someone who has been in the same situation as myself helped me to realize that I was not alone and that the butterflies in my stomach were normal. Now before I begin with a new class I make sure I am overly prepared.
Being prepared when you come to class is one way you can reduce instructor anxiety. Review the materials you will teach and follow the plan. Research on related topics so you become knowledgeable in the area you are teaching.
One way to overcome pre-class nerves and anxiety would be to be prepared to the hilt. Know your subject to perfection, get all of your lessons in order, and go into the classroom with the confidence that you know more than the students.
